The artwork titled “Portrait of Sarah Stein” is a creation by the esteemed artist Henri Matisse, dated to the year 1916. This piece exemplifies the Expressionist movement and encompasses the portrait genre within its composition. The dimensions of the artwork measure 72.5 by 56.5 centimeters. This notable work is part of the collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) located in San Francisco, California, United States.
“Portrait of Sarah Stein” showcases a stylistic representation characteristic of Matisse’s oeuvre, particularly from the period relevant to Expressionism, where emotion and personal response are prioritized over realistic depiction. The subject of the portrait is centered on the canvas, her face rendered with bold and simplified forms, and eyes that draw the viewer’s focus. Matisse employs a strong contrast in colors and an assertive application of paint, which is apparent in the subject’s flesh tones against the cool blue garment and the striking yellow border surrounding the figure. The portrayal is notable for its reduced detail and abstract qualities, inviting a psychological interpretation from the observer.
