“Portrait of Ella Fitzgerald,” created by Beauford Delaney in 1968, is a distinguished expressionist and abstract expressionist work. The artwork, categorized under the genre of portraiture, exemplifies the profound stylistic elements synonymous with Delaney’s oeuvre.
The artwork predominantly features a striking blend of yellow hues interspersed with complementary colors, presenting a textured and nearly luminous background. From this vibrant field emerges the abstract visage of Ella Fitzgerald, delicately but powerfully rendered with focused attention to her expressive eyes and subtle facial features. Delaney’s broad and energetic brushstrokes create a dynamic composition, encapsulating both the spirit of the artist’s movement and the character of the subject. Through its bold use of color and form, the artwork captures the complexity and vibrancy associated with Fitzgerald herself, evoking an emotional and immersive visual experience.
