Romako is among the most impressive and contradictory personalities in 19th-century Austrian painting. Unappreciated by contemporary critics and long forgotten after his death, this painter and aquarellist is now considered a predecessor of Austrian Modernism. A young man in a cutaway coat is busy lighting a cigarette. His hands and face, with finely-drawn eyebrows and groomed moustache, are illuminated by the match-flame. His red tie, tie-pin and cufflinks complete his elegant appearance. Gloves, roughly sketched, lie draped over the brim of his top hat. Books, candle and letter, arranged as in a still life, are attributes of the protagonist. The work, signed