The sitter, Israeli painter Meier (or Meir) Appelfeld (b. 1965), studied in London at Byam Shaw School of Art (1987-91) and the Royal Academy Schools (1991-94). He held his first solo show at Ben Uri Gallery in 1994, and has since exhibited extensively in Israel. The portrait shows the artist during his student years, posing for a half-length, seated portrait with folded hands and his face turned towards the viewer although his gaze is averted. A modest still life of a wine glass and coffee cup can just be seen on the table edge behind him.