Portrait of Prince Karam de Kapurthala

Before you stands "Portrait of Prince Karam de Kapurthala," a captivating 1916 painting by Willem Witsen. Part of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands Art Collection, this intimate portrait measures 23 centimeters wide and 30 centimeters high. The painting presents Prince Karam in profile, his gaze directed to the right. Witsen's characteristic loose brushstrokes are immediately apparent, lending a palpable texture to the work. The color palette is rich and subdued, dominated by deep browns and oranges in the background, which appears to depict a textured wall. The Prince's skin tones are rendered in warm, earthy hues, subtly highlighted by a soft light source. His dark hair is painted with thick, almost sculptural strokes, contrasting with the smoother application on his face. His formal attire—a dark suit, light shirt, and tie—is suggested with deft precision. The overall effect is one of quiet intensity, a candid moment captured with emotional restraint, focusing on the likeness and character of the sitter. It's a beautiful example of Witsen's expressive style.