“The Fiancée” by Chaim Soutine, created in 1923 in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, is an oil on canvas portrait that exemplifies the Expressionist movement. Measuring 81 by 46 centimeters, the artwork is housed in the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, France.
The artwork portrays a seated woman, who is presumably the fiancée, in a white dress that flows around her form. The brushstrokes are dynamic and expressive, characteristic of Soutine’s vigorous technique. The colors are bold and somewhat turbulent, contributing to a sense of emotional depth and intensity. The figure’s face is elongated and stylized, a common trait in Expressionist portraiture, suggesting psychological complexity and inner turmoil. The backdrop is dark and indistinct, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject’s compelling presence. The overall composition exudes a sense of melancholy and introspection, drawing the viewer into the emotional state of the subject.