#15148 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The painting presents a fragmented portrait, rendered in a style characterized by angularity and distortion. The subjects face is constructed from sharply defined planes, creating a sense of fractured identity rather than naturalistic representation. A monochromatic palette dominates – primarily shades of gray and white – with subtle blue undertones visible in the background texture.
The eyes are particularly striking; they possess an unsettling intensity, appearing large and deeply shadowed, conveying a feeling of anxiety or profound sadness. The brow is furrowed, contributing to this impression of distress. The mouth is rendered as a thin, compressed line, suggesting restraint or suppressed emotion.
The background appears to be composed of small, repetitive geometric shapes – likely squares or rectangles – arranged in an irregular pattern. This textural backdrop does not offer depth but rather serves to emphasize the flatness and two-dimensionality of the composition. The overall effect is one of psychological tension and emotional complexity.
Subtly, theres a sense of confinement within the frame; the subject’s gaze seems directed outward, yet the rigid geometry surrounding the face suggests an inability to escape or connect with something beyond this constructed space. This could be interpreted as a visual metaphor for internal struggle or societal pressures. The deconstruction of the human form implies a questioning of identity and perception – a challenge to conventional notions of beauty and representation.