The artwork, entitled “The Hairdresser (Le coiffeur),” is a notable etching created by Pierre Alechinsky in 1948. This piece belongs to the Expressionism movement and is classified within the genre of illustration. It is housed at Tate Britain in London, UK.
The composition presents a surreal and stylized figure positioned centrally. The figure, ostensibly the hairdresser, is depicted with a distinct headgear reminiscent of an antiquated barbershop apparatus. The etching is finely detailed, with the use of bold lines and stark contrasts between light and dark tones, characteristic of Expressionist aesthetics. The figure appears to be seated or standing behind a basin, reinforcing its profession. Overall, the artwork exudes a whimsical and contemplative presence, inviting viewers to delve into its intricacies and the artist’s imaginative interpretation.