The artwork in question is a self-portrait by Marie Laurencin, created in the year 1905. Classified within the genre of self-portraiture, this piece echoes the emotional and aesthetic expressions typical of early 20th-century portraiture.
In the artwork, the artist presents herself with a direct yet gentle gaze, which might be interpreted as both introspective and engaging with the viewer. The brushwork is visibly textured, with strokes that blend her facial features smoothly into the canvas. The color palette is relatively muted, with a dominance of creamy, earthy tones that softly model her visage. Her attire appears simplistic, and the dark clothing contrasts with her light-complexioned skin, directing attention towards her face.
Laurencin’s choice of composition is intimate, with the close-up focusing on her features and the upper part of her shoulders. As a self-portrait, the work conveys a sense of self-examination, with Laurencin capturing herself in a moment of quietude or reflection. The confidence and skill with which she handles the paint suggest an artist who is both aware of her identity and thoughtful of how she presents herself to the world. This piece is an example of early modernism, hinting at the shifts in style and technique that were to become more prominent in the years following its creation.