#17991 Mery Sales

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a young woman in profile, dominated by a palette of cool blues and purples that imbue the scene with a melancholic atmosphere. The subjects face is illuminated from the right, creating stark contrasts between light and shadow which emphasize her features and contribute to an overall sense of introspection. Her eyes are closed, suggesting a moment of inward reflection or perhaps weariness.
The woman holds a lit cigarette in her hand, the flame acting as a secondary source of illumination that casts a warm glow on her fingers and cheek. This detail introduces a layer of complexity; it could signify rebellion, stress relief, or simply a habitual action indicative of a particular lifestyle. The smoke itself is not explicitly visible, but its presence is implied by the lit end of the cigarette, adding to the feeling of quiet contemplation.
The background is largely obscured in darkness, with only a vague suggestion of another figure discernible behind the subject’s head – possibly a mans profile, rendered indistinctly and contributing to an impression of isolation or confinement. The lack of detail in the surroundings directs the viewer’s attention entirely onto the woman and her emotional state.
The artist employed a somewhat loose brushstroke technique, which lends a sense of immediacy and rawness to the work. This stylistic choice avoids any illusion of photographic realism, instead prioritizing an expressive portrayal of mood and feeling. The overall effect is one of quiet drama, hinting at unspoken narratives and underlying psychological depth.