Portrait of an Old Man in Profile

• Gustav Klimt (1862–1918)
• c. 1896
• Oil on cardboard
• Leopold Museum, Vienna

Another title for this portrait, Count Traun, suggests that it was a commissioned work. However, this is unlikely as the identity of the sitter remains unknown, and he is shown in strict profile. Klimt captured distinctive facial features of the man while outlining the head softly. The monochrome background directs focus to the old man’s face. This work is an example of Klimt’s many experiments with composition and effects in portraits.