Negro Youth (1929) by Lois Mailou Jones

Negro Youth - Lois Mailou Jones - 1929

Artwork Information

TitleNegro Youth
ArtistLois Mailou Jones
Date1929
Art MovementExpressionism

About Negro Youth

“Negro Youth,” created by Lois Mailou Jones in 1929, is an exemplary piece of Expressionist portraiture. The artwork portrays a young male head in profile view, colored in earthy tones with precise and meticulous shading that emphasizes the subject’s contemplative expression.

In this artwork, Jones renders the youthful figure with a combination of delicate line work and blended shading to highlight the contours of the face and the texture of the hair. The young man’s gaze is directed off to the side, suggesting introspection or solemn thought. The simplicity of the attire, a sweater over a collared shirt, draws attention to the subject’s face, enhancing the emotive quality of the expression. The tonal contrast between the light background and the darker figure augments the depth and realism, making the portrait impactful in its starkness. This piece reflects the Expressionist movement’s focus on conveying emotional experience rather than physical reality, capturing a poignant and timeless human moment.

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