The Young Englishwoman in Blue Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

Here we observe a portrait study rendered with a vigorous and expressive application of paint. The subject is a young woman depicted in profile, her gaze directed towards the viewers left. Her features are simplified, almost abstracted, yet retain a recognizable human form. A prominent nose, full lips, and high cheekbones contribute to an impression of strength and perhaps even melancholy.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – ochres, oranges, and reds – which define her skin and hair. These hues contrast sharply with the cool blue background, creating a visual tension that draws attention to the figure. The artist employed thick impasto throughout, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the hair, which appears as a mass of dark curls. Green strokes are interspersed within the blue backdrop, adding an element of unexpected vibrancy and disrupting any sense of uniformity.
The woman’s attire is suggested rather than precisely detailed; a dark jacket or coat is visible around her shoulders, with a glimpse of what might be a white collar or shirt beneath. A small, pale object – perhaps a cigarette holder – is held between her fingers. This detail introduces an element of modernity and perhaps a hint of rebellion against conventional expectations for women of the period.
The overall effect is one of immediacy and psychological depth. The artist seems less interested in creating a photographic likeness than in capturing a fleeting moment, a sense of inner life. Theres a vulnerability present in her expression, despite the boldness of the brushwork. The simplified forms and expressive color choices suggest an exploration of character rather than mere representation. The background’s flatness further emphasizes the subjects presence, isolating her within the composition and intensifying the viewer’s focus on her countenance.