Portrait of Waldemar Unger II

• Richard Gerstl (1883–1908)
• 1902/03
• Oil on canvas
• Leopold Museum, Vienna

This portrait was made after Richard Gerstl left the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in 1901 to explore Impressionism and other means of expression. Waldemar Unger, the painter’s childhood friend and an aspiring lawyer, wears a black jacket and a shirt with a high white collar. Gerstl emphasized the bright complexion by adding highlights on the forehead and below the eyes. The serious facial expression and a self-confident gaze conveys the sitter’s brilliant intelligence and ambitions.