“Girl With Yellow Hat,” an oil painting by Norman Lewis from 1936, is an exemplar of Figurative Expressionism. Measuring 91 x 66 cm, the artwork captures the essence of contemplative solitude through its striking composition and vivid use of color.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted seated, dressed simply in a pale dress that contrasts with her dark skin tones. The focal point is the broad yellow hat that covers her head, casting a shadow over her face, which rests pensively on her hand. The background is composed of muted, earthy hues that further emphasize the central figure. The overall composition suggests a moment of introspection, rendered with a textured and almost tactile execution characteristic of oil paint.