“The Woman with Red Mask” is a genre painting created in 1940 by the artist Rufino Tamayo. Executed in oil on canvas, this artwork represents the Cubism and Expressionism movements. Currently held in a private collection, it is an exemplary piece from Tamayo’s expressive catalog.
The artwork portrays a dark-skinned woman seated with a stringed instrument, possibly a lute, in her hands. She is adorned with a striking red mask that covers a significant portion of her face and a red garment that envelops her figure, drawing a vivid contrast against the dark backdrop. The geometric shapes and stark color contrasts reflect elements of Cubism, while the intense emotional expression aligns with the principles of Expressionism. The composition magnificently blends these stylistic features to create an engaging and thought-provoking piece.
