“The Mad Woman,” authored by Chaim Soutine around 1919, is an oil on canvas portrait embodying the tenets of Expressionism. This distinguished piece is currently housed at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan.
The artwork portrays a woman enshrouded in a vivid red garment that starkly contrasts with her forlorn and contorted facial expression. The energetic brushstrokes and intense color palette emphasize the emotional turmoil and chaos suggested by the title. Her hunched posture and clenched hands further convey a sense of distress and agitation. The background, composed of swirling hues of brown and gold, complements the emotional intensity of the subject, highlighting Soutine’s mastery in using color and form to evoke profound psychological states.