#42099 Guillaume Cornelis van Beverloo Corneille

The painting presents a frontal depiction of a female figure rendered in a highly stylized and abstracted manner. The composition is dominated by bold color blocks – predominantly red for the torso, blue for the arms and outlining features, and green forming the background plane. These colors are applied with a flatness that eliminates any sense of depth or perspective.
The artist has simplified the human form to essential geometric shapes. The figure’s body is elongated and somewhat flattened, lacking realistic proportions. Facial features are reduced to basic forms: two circular eyes positioned above a triangular nose and a small, almost indiscernible mouth. A stylized headdress, composed of angular planes in green, yellow, and blue, sits atop the head, further emphasizing the figure’s non-naturalistic presentation.
The arms are raised, with hands angled outwards, creating a gesture that could be interpreted as either defensive or celebratory. The torso is delineated by a vertical line running down the center, suggesting an attempt at anatomical structure while simultaneously reinforcing the paintings overall geometric organization. A small circular mark is positioned centrally on the abdomen, drawing attention to this area of the body.
The background green plane provides a stark contrast to the figure’s vibrant red and blue hues. The absence of any other details in the background isolates the subject, intensifying its presence within the pictorial space.
Subtextually, the work seems to explore themes of identity and representation. The simplification of form and the use of symbolic color suggest an interest in stripping away superficial characteristics to reveal a more essential or archetypal figure. The stylized headdress could be interpreted as representing cultural or ritual significance, while the gesture of raised arms might signify resilience or defiance. The painting’s overall effect is one of powerful symbolism rather than realistic portrayal, prompting reflection on the construction of female identity and its visual representation.