Self-Portrait (1908) by Marie Laurencin

Self-Portrait - Marie Laurencin - 1908

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-Portrait
ArtistMarie Laurencin
Date1908

About Self-Portrait

The artwork in question is a self-portrait by artist Marie Laurencin, dated 1908. This self-portrait falls within the genre of self-representation, where the artist renders her own likeness onto the canvas. One can surmise that the intention behind this work was to convey some aspect of her identity or emotional state at the time of its creation.

In this self-portrait by Marie Laurencin, there is a close focus on the artist’s face, which occupies the majority of the canvas. The composition is straightforward, yet it reveals a notable stylization characteristic of early 20th-century portraiture. The facial features are simplified, with subtle lines used to define the eyes, nose, and mouth, giving the portrait an almost illustrative quality. The colour palette is limited; tawny and earthy tones dominate the background, while the face itself is rendered in paler hues, creating a contrast that draws the viewer’s attention directly to the subject’s visage.

The artist’s gaze appears introspective, perhaps suggesting a moment of self-reflection. This lends a sense of psychological depth to the work. The use of shading and minimal detailing gives the face an almost sculptural form, enhancing the overall feeling of quietude and introspection. Laurencin’s self-portrait is both a personal exploration of the self and an exemplar of her broader artistic approach, which often favored elements of Cubism and Fauvism, with an emphasis on softer lines and a distinctive, dreamlike aesthetic.

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