Portrait Of A Young Boy: Pointillist, Pointillism, 1920–30, Oil On Canvas, Signed
A bust portrait of a young boy, seen in three-quarter view, looking directly at the viewer.
He has short brown hair with bangs and is wearing a dark blue crew-neck knit sweater, textured to show the knit pattern.
His face is rendered realistically, with a serious expression and light-colored eyes.
The background is divided vertically. The left side is dark and indistinct, perhaps the wall of a room. The right side is lighter and textured in a way that suggests a curtain or striped fabric, illuminated by light coming from the right. The overall atmosphere is somewhat melancholic and timeless.
The work is signed and dated in the lower left corner. The signature is not clearly legible, but it is dated “1936.”
The work is an oil painting on canvas with a matte, textured appearance.
The richness of the colors, the depth of the tones, and the ability to apply thin, transparent layers (glazes) are characteristic of oil painting.
The artist appears to have used glazes, particularly in the rendering of the skin and eyes, to create a sense of transparency and luminosity. Thin layers of paint are superimposed to add depth.
The brushwork is visible and varied. The sweater is rendered with textured brushstrokes that follow the knit pattern. The light background also has a tactile texture. In contrast, the face is more blended, suggesting the use of soft brushes to soften the transitions.
The vertical division of the background creates a contrast of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) that highlights the subject. The light source coming from the right illuminates the side of the boy’s face, creating subtle shadows that define his features.
The texture of the artwork is significant. The contrast between the rough sweater and the smooth skin, as well as the texture of the background, contributes to the visual richness of the piece. The element glued into the hair adds real texture and a touch of intrigue.
This beautiful and endearing portrait is a realistic and introspective work, executed with a masterful oil painting technique. The artist used glazing and textured brushwork to create depth and visual interest, while capturing the subject’s expression.
Dimensions: 55 x 46 cm
Damage and missing sections
Period: 20th century
Style: Art Deco
Condition: En l'etat
Material: Oil painting
Reference (ID): 1838415
Availability: In stock
