Portrait Of Charlot Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a young person, likely a child, rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a limited color palette. The subject is positioned in profile, their gaze directed towards the viewers left. A dark mass of hair frames the face, obscuring much of the forehead and hairline while emphasizing the contours of the cheekbone and jawline.
The artist employed thick impasto to build up the forms, particularly noticeable on the nose and cheeks where the paint application creates a tactile surface. The skin tones are rendered with a range of reds, pinks, and yellows, suggesting both warmth and a certain vulnerability. A subtle blush is visible on the cheeks, adding a touch of life and immediacy to the depiction. The clothing appears simple – a white collar or neckline is visible against the darker background.
The backdrop is an ambiguous field of muted colors – pinks, grays, and browns – that lack distinct definition. This indistinctness serves to isolate the figure and direct attention solely towards their face. A signature, rendered in red, is positioned near the upper right corner, adding a personal touch to the work.
Beyond the straightforward representation of a childs features, there’s an underlying sense of melancholy or introspection conveyed through the downward tilt of the head and the quietness of the expression. The loose brushstrokes contribute to this feeling, suggesting a fleeting moment captured with immediacy rather than meticulous detail. One might interpret the work as exploring themes of childhood innocence, vulnerability, and perhaps even a subtle hint of sadness. The lack of contextual details encourages viewers to project their own narratives onto the subject, fostering a sense of intimacy and personal connection.