The artwork titled “Man with Hat,” created by Chaim Soutine around 1919 to 1920, is a prime example of Expressionism. It is a portrait that measures 130 x 65.1 cm and is currently held in a private collection in France.
The artwork showcases a man donned in a black suit and hat, set against a vibrant yellow background. The brushstrokes are vigorous and layered, contributing to an overall sense of emotional intensity and psychological depth. The man’s visage is elongated and distorted, a characteristic trait of Soutine’s style, reflecting the broader Expressionist movement’s focus on representing emotional experience rather than physical reality. The interplay of dark and bright colors evokes a contrast that draws attention to the subject’s solemn expression and the underlying tension within the composition.