The artwork, titled “Portrait of French poet Jehan Rictus,” was created by the artist Félix Vallotton in the year 1898. This piece belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is categorized as a portrait. It is part of the series “Le Livre des masques.”
The artwork presents a detailed profile of Jehan Rictus, characterized by stark contrasts in black and white, emphasizing the poet’s distinct facial features and beard. The minimalist, yet expressive, style captures the essence of the Art Nouveau movement, blending simplicity with intricate detail. The artist’s initials, “FV,” are elegantly incorporated into the collar area of the portrait, further personalizing the piece. Quintessentially, the artwork epitomizes the confluence of literary and visual art, paying homage to Jehan Rictus through Vallotton’s meticulous and stylistic representation.
