“Head of a Woman” is a portrait by Andre Derain, created in 1910. This piece of art is associated with the Expressionism movement, which is known for its emphasis on emotional experience over physical reality. The style of the portrait deviates from realistic representation and instead uses a stark contrast and bold, simplified forms to convey the essence of the subject.
In the artwork, we see the depiction of a woman’s head drawn with strong, emotive lines. The woman’s facial features are stylized and abstracted, with pronounced contours defining her face. The eyes are asymmetrical, one being notably larger than the other, and the nose is rendered as a dark, central line that anchors the composition. Her hair flows down from her head in long, undulating lines that emphasize movement. The image is monochromatic, with varying tones that create depth and help to emphasize the features of her face. The background is minimalistic, ensuring that the focus remains firmly on the subject. The expression on her face is somber and introspective. Overall, the piece is a striking example of Derain’s exploration of expressionist techniques to convey subjective emotions through art.
