The artwork under discussion is a self-portrait by Marie Laurencin, completed in the year 1928. It represents the painter’s introspective depiction of herself, typical of the self-portrait genre, where artists choose to be both the creator and the subject. This piece is an example of Laurencin’s creative expression during the 20th century.
In the self-portrait, the artist’s visage is rendered with soft, muted colors, while the brushwork is gentle yet deliberate, imbuing the piece with a sense of quiet introspection. The subdued palette primarily consists of cool blues and grays contrasted with warmer tones of pink and white, highlighting the features of her face. Notably, her gaze is slightly averted, neither meeting the viewer’s eye directly nor completely looking away. This could suggest a sense of modesty or introspection.
The composition is marked by the thoughtful use of space and the interplay of light and shadow. Laurencin’s characteristic use of flat areas of color creates a somewhat ethereal effect, resonating with her affiliation with the avant-garde movements of her time. Her signature, along with the date, is discreetly placed on the painting, linking her identity firmly to the work. The portrait also exhibits a contemplative mood, capturing not only the artist’s physical characteristics but also hinting at an emotional or psychological depth beneath the surface.