The artwork known as “Head of a Girl from the Assemblages d’empreintes series” was crafted by Jean Dubuffet in 1954. This piece belongs to the genre of portraiture and was created in the United States. The dimensions of this work measure approximately 28.6 by 24.1 centimeters.
Upon examination of the artwork, one observes the utilization of a distinctive, almost primitive style, characteristic of Dubuffet’s approach during this period. The artist’s method involved incorporating textural elements and unconventional materials into his compositions, aiming to achieve a raw and authentic aesthetic that he believed was closer to the fundamental aspects of human expression and perception.
The representation of the girl’s head is rendered with an abstract simplicity, eschewing detailed realism for a stylized depiction. The work features a mottled surface where the interplay of various tones and shades suggests facial features. There is an emphasis on earthy colors and textural variation, effectively drawing the viewer’s attention to the tactile and visual complexity of the piece. Nonetheless, despite the abstraction, there is a discernible human presence embodied within the portrait.
Against a dark background, the subject’s facial outline imbues the artwork with a stark contrast, enhancing the visual impact and further accentuating the features within the central figure. It is clear that through his unconventional techniques and materials, Dubuffet sought to challenge traditional notions of beauty and representation in art.