The artwork in question, titled “Abstract Portrait,” was created by Theo van Doesburg in 1915. Executed with oil on canvas, it is emblematic of the Cubism movement. The portrait, which measures 24 x 19 cm, is classified under the genre of portraiture. Currently, it resides in the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
This artwork exemplifies the distinctive characteristics of Cubism, displaying a fragmented and abstracted human visage. The facial features are depicted through geometric shapes and a subdued palette of earthy tones, accentuated by muted highlights. The overlapping shapes create a sense of depth and complexity, inviting the viewer to decipher the subject’s visage through the interplay of forms and colors. By breaking down the conventional expectations of portraiture, the artist compels a reconsideration of the perception of human features, aligning with the avant-garde aesthetics of the early 20th century.
