Womans head Alexej Jawlensky (1864-1941)

The painting presents a portrait of a woman, rendered in a style characterized by bold color choices and simplified forms. Here we see a frontal depiction of the subjects head and shoulders, with a direct gaze that establishes a sense of confrontation with the viewer. The face is constructed from large blocks of color – crimson for the cheeks and forehead, blue for the eyes, black for the mouth and eyebrows – creating an almost mask-like effect. These colors are not naturalistic; instead, they appear to be chosen for their expressive potential rather than descriptive accuracy.
The hair is depicted as a halo of yellow and green hues, loosely framing the face and contributing to the overall flattened perspective. The background is a deep blue, which intensifies the vibrancy of the foreground colors and further isolates the figure. A white collar or garment appears at the neck, rendered with broad strokes that suggest texture but lack detailed definition.
The artist’s application of paint is visible throughout; thick impasto creates a tactile surface, while abrupt transitions between colors contribute to the paintings overall dynamism. The simplification of features and the use of non-naturalistic color suggest an interest in conveying emotional states or psychological depth rather than physical likeness.
Subtly, there’s a sense of melancholy conveyed through the subject’s expression. While the direct gaze might be interpreted as assertive, the downturned mouth and the somewhat somber coloring evoke a feeling of introspection or quiet sadness. The deliberate distortion of features could also imply an exploration of identity – a move away from conventional notions of beauty or representation towards something more symbolic or psychological. The painting seems to explore themes of interiority and emotional complexity through a highly stylized visual language, suggesting that the subject’s inner world is being prioritized over external appearance.