In Portrait of Anselm Feuerbach, the viewer sees a dignified figure, Anselm Feuerbach, depicted in a formal pose. The artist uses a rich palette of deep browns and muted greens, which creates a serious atmosphere. Feuerbach's expression is contemplative, and his attire is elegant, suggesting his status as an important figure.

The background is subtly painted, allowing the focus to remain on the subject. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for portraiture during the 19th century. The brushwork is detailed, particularly in the rendering of Feuerbach's facial features and clothing. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the portrait, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figure.

This technique is characteristic of the Realism style, which aims to depict subjects as they are. Ferdinand Keller was a notable German painter known for his portraits and historical scenes. This work, created in the 1880s, reflects the growing interest in realism during this period. Anselm Feuerbach was a prominent artist himself, and Keller's choice to portray him highlights the mutual respect among artists of that era.

Interestingly, this portrait may have been commissioned to celebrate Feuerbach's contributions to the art world.