“The Marquis D’Afflitto on a Staircase,” created by Tamara de Lempicka in 1926, is a portrait rendered in oil on canvas. This work belongs to the Art Deco movement and prominently features the elegant depiction of an individual in a sophisticated setting.
The artwork portrays a refined figure, the Marquis D’Afflitto, standing against the backdrop of a curving staircase. He is sharply dressed in a dark suit and tie, topped with a black hat that casts a shadow over part of his face. His demeanor is poised and nonchalant, with one hand casually placed in his pocket. The lines and forms of the staircase behind him, along with the stylized iron railing, contribute to the geometric and streamlined aesthetic typical of Art Deco. The color palette of the painting is characterized by muted tones, with the dark blue of the suit and the pale background providing a striking contrast that enhances the subject’s prominence. The use of light and shadow in the artwork further accentuates the aristocratic elegance and modern sophistication that define Tamara de Lempicka’s style.
