The artwork titled “My Cousin Montserrat” was created by the illustrious artist Salvador Dali between the years 1919 and 1920. This portrait, which reflects elements of the Expressionism art movement, captures the visage of the artist’s cousin in a manner that emphasizes the emotional experience over physical reality.
The artwork portrays a profile view of a female figure, presumed to be Dali’s cousin, Montserrat. The brushwork appears loose and fluid, creating a sense of movement within the composition. The color palette is restrained, primarily monochromatic, hinting at a mood of contemplation or introspection. The figure’s features are rendered with a degree of abstraction yet retain a sense of realism. In the background, there is a lightly sketched landscape or cityscape, which fades into the distance, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain drawn to the figure herself. The emotional impact of the piece is characteristic of the Expressionist aim to evoke subjective feelings, rather than to depict objective reality.