The artwork, titled “Portrait of Sister Maryasinka,” was created by Marc Chagall in 1914 in Liozna, near Vitebsk, Belarus. Executed in oil on canvas, it embodies the Cubist art movement. The portrait measures 51 x 36 cm and belongs to a private collection.
The portrait presents a young girl with braided hair, dressed in a vibrant red garment adorned with a delicate lace collar. Her expression is contemplative as she holds a small object to her mouth. The background features an intricate interplay of colors and shapes, characteristic of Cubism, which almost merge with the foliage behind her. The composition is rich with color contrasts and geometric forms, juxtaposing the organic figure of the girl against a more abstract, fragmented backdrop. This interplay of elements imparts a sense of depth and complexity to the piece, reflecting Chagall’s mastery in blending emotional resonance with avant-garde techniques.
