The artwork, titled “The Portrait of Woman,” is a notable piece by artist André Derain, created in 1913. This oil on canvas painting, measuring 79.5 x 65 cm, is an exemplar of the Expressionism art movement. The genre of this artwork is portrait.
The artwork depicts a woman in a contemplative pose, her features rendered with bold, expressive brushstrokes characteristic of Expressionism. The woman is adorned in a blue garment that drapes over her shoulders, contrasting with the muted background. Her face, marked by a solemn expression, draws the viewer’s focus, enhanced by the use of stark contrasts in color and shadow. The simplicity of the background ensures that the subject remains the central point of attention, while the interplay of light and shadow adds depth to her form. The artist employs a limited palette, relying on the intensity of the colors and the emotive quality of the brushstrokes to convey the inner character of the subject. Through this piece, André Derain explores the emotional depth and complexity of the human figure, inviting viewers to engage with the silent narrative implied within the woman’s gaze.
