Portrait of Franz Liszt

The Paris house of Munkácsy was often visited by guests, among them the composer Franz Liszt. Munkácsy's approach in this portrait was realistic he depicted the elderly master with the symbol of his art, the piano, without aggrandizement. His posture radiates dignity, self assurance and wisdom. His face grey hair and hands are striking constituents of the depiction of Liszt's personality; they almost glow in front of the dark backdrop. This canvas is a masterpiece of realist portraiture, one of Munkácsy's best representations.