The artwork titled “Portrait of a Young Man” was painted by Andre Derain between the years 1913 and 1914. It is an oil painting that embodies elements of both Cubism and Expressionism and belongs to the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, a young man is depicted, seated, with a contemplative and somewhat melancholic expression. The composition is characterized by Derain’s use of geometric abstraction and a monochromatic color palette, employing muted tones of browns, grays, and blues. The young man’s features and clothes are rendered with angular forms and faceted surfaces, indicative of the Cubist influence. The background merges with the figure, further blending the distinction between space and form, which is a hallmark of Cubist aesthetics. Additionally, the expressive brushstrokes and the somber mood of the piece reflect the emotional intensity of Expressionism. Notably, the lower part of the figure appears unfinished, with sketch lines visible, adding a dynamic and spontaneous quality to the painting.
