“Baule Mask” is an artwork by Norman Lewis, created in 1935 in New York City, New York, United States. This piece, rendered in pastel, is part of the Figurative Expressionism art movement and measures 18 by 12 centimeters.
The artwork features a mask inspired by the traditional Baule masks from the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire. Dominated by shades of red, blue, and brown, the mask has an expressionless face marked by defined, slender eyes and a subtle, closed mouth. The pastel medium brings a softness to the depiction, with various color gradients conveying the distinct texture and form of the mask. The piece also includes intricate detailing, such as the zigzag patterns on the hair and the subtle markings on the face, emphasizing the cultural motifs associated with Baule masks. The background is left plain, allowing the central figure of the mask to capture the viewer’s complete attention.