self-portrait in red 1913 Aristarkh Lentulov (1882-1943)

The composition presents a frontal portrait set against a dark, undefined background that absorbs light and emphasizes the figures presence. The subject is depicted from the chest upwards, with a direct gaze towards the viewer, creating a sense of immediate confrontation. A cluster of stylized flowers occupies the upper left quadrant, their forms rendered in broad strokes of orange, yellow, and green, contrasting sharply with the dominant red tones of the central figure.
The artist employed a palette dominated by intense reds and complementary blues and greens. The skin tone is rendered in shades of reddish-brown, contributing to an overall sense of warmth but also suggesting a certain severity or even melancholy. The clothing appears as a simplified arrangement of planes – broad blocks of red intersected with vertical stripes of blue and white – rather than detailed fabric. This reduction contributes to the painting’s formal austerity.
The face itself is characterized by a pronounced brow, a straight nose, and thin lips pressed into a neutral expression. Theres an absence of overt sentimentality; instead, a quiet intensity emanates from the subject’s eyes. The hair is cropped short and neatly styled, further reinforcing this impression of controlled composure.
The flowers, while visually striking, seem less like naturalistic representations and more like symbolic elements. Their vibrant color and stylized form suggest vitality or perhaps an attempt to inject life into a somber atmosphere. They could be interpreted as representing fleeting beauty or the fragility of existence.
Subtly, theres a sense of confinement within the composition. The dark background seems to press in on the figure, while the cropped view limits the scope of the portrait. This may suggest an exploration of internal states – a feeling of being trapped or observed. The direct gaze and lack of extraneous detail contribute to a psychological depth, inviting contemplation about identity, resilience, and the complexities of self-perception.