Portrait Schmela
Gerhard Richter’s ‘Portrait Schmela,’ created in 1964, stands as a cornerstone of his photographic oeuvre and embodies the essence of his distinctive artistic approach – Capitalist Realism. This monumental canvas, measuring 110 x 97 cm, captures Alfred Schmela, a prominent Düsseldorf gallery owner who championed Richter’s early career, with an unsettling stillness that belies its seemingly simple execution. The artwork immediately draws attention to its grid format; six photographic portraits meticulously arranged side by side, each mirroring the composition and subject matter of the others. However, subtle distortions—evidence of multiple exposures—inject a layer of ambiguity into the image, prompting contemplation about perception and representation.
The painting’s monochromatic palette – predominantly shades of gray – contributes significantly to its somber mood. Richter eschews vibrant hues, favoring instead a tonal range that evokes introspection and reinforces the photograph's inherent documentation quality. This deliberate restraint aligns perfectly with Richter’s broader artistic philosophy: he seeks to capture not just what is seen but also what feels like seeing—a concept central to his exploration of memory and experience. The texture of the canvas itself is deliberately roughened, mirroring the graininess characteristic of photographic prints and subtly hinting at the artist's manipulation of the image. This textural element underscores Richter’s commitment to conveying materiality alongside visual information.
Technically, ‘Portrait Schmela III’ represents a pivotal moment in Richter’s development as he transitioned from purely abstract painting towards incorporating photographic elements into his artistic practice. He meticulously transferred a photograph taken at the opening of his inaugural exhibition—a significant event marking the beginning of his artistic journey—onto canvas. This process involved applying thin layers of oil paint over the photographic print, creating an illusionistic effect that simultaneously honors and transforms the original image. The resulting artwork is not merely a reproduction but rather a reimagining, reflecting Richter’s fascination with exploring how images can evoke emotion and convey meaning beyond their literal depiction.
The photograph itself served as inspiration for this piece. Schmela was a German gallery owner who championed Richter's early career. He was made honorary member of the Düsseldorf Academy of Arts in 1978. From 1964 Richter executed numerous works after passport photographs or family pictures. The portraits of Alfred Schmela are the first works of this kind. Sotheby’s, London, UK: 01 July 2015 | £ 3,285,000 (incl. buyer’s premium) | USD 5,158,436 This artwork was shown in the following exhibitions: Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf, Germany; Galerie Schmela, Düsseldorf; Ludwig Maximilian Universität München; Kunsthalle Düsseldorf; Hamburger Kunsthalle; Kunstverein Düsseldorf; Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin. This artwork is included in the following publications: Gerhard Richter: Bilder / Serien (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, 2019); Alfred Schmela. Eine hundertjährige Ausstellung (Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, 2018); Gerhard Richter: Maler (Taschen Verlag, 2019). The catalogue Gerhard Richter. Bilder / Serien accompanies Gerhard Richter’s eponymous exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler. The show is curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, a longstanding friend of Richter. This publication was published to accompany the exhibition 'Alfred Schmela. A centenary exhibition”, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf, Schmela-Haus November 24, 2018-January 20, 2019. The catalogue Gerhard Richter. Portraits is the first publication that focuses solely on Richter’s portraits, many of which have now gained both recognition and veneration across the globe. This artwork was shown in the following exhibitions: Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf; Galerie Schmela, Düsseldorf; Ludwig Maximilian Universität München; Kunsthalle Düsseldorf; Hamburger Kunsthalle; Kunstverein Düsseldorf; Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin. The catalogue Gerhard Richter. Bilder / Serien accompanies Gerhard Richter’s eponymous exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler. The show is curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, a longstanding friend of Richter. This publication was published to accompany the exhibition 'Alfred Schmela. A centenary exhibition”, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf, Schmela-Haus November 24, 2018-January 20, 2019. The catalogue Gerhard Richter. Portraits is the first publication that focuses solely on Richter’s portraits, many of which have now gained both recognition and veneration across the globe.
The Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen acquired ‘Portrait Schmela III’ in 2014. It is a testament to Richter's enduring influence on contemporary art and his masterful ability to distill complex ideas into deceptively simple visual forms. Its quiet contemplation invites viewers to consider the nature of identity, memory, and the transformative power of artistic representation—themes that resonate powerfully throughout Richter’s oeuvre.
