#11849 Raymond Daussy (1918-)

The composition presents a solitary female figure positioned centrally within a densely wooded landscape. The woman stands nude, her arms raised above her head in what appears to be a gesture of either supplication or defiance. Her skin possesses a distinctly orange hue, an unusual coloration that immediately draws attention and introduces an element of the surreal.
The setting is characterized by tall, slender trees – primarily birches with their distinctive bark patterns – that dominate the background. The forest floor is uneven, strewn with large rocks which form a natural barrier around the figure. A narrow path seems to lead into the depths of the woods, though its destination remains unclear. The light source appears diffuse, casting soft shadows and contributing to an overall atmosphere of stillness and quietude.
The artist’s rendering of the human form is stylized rather than realistically detailed. Facial features are simplified, and proportions appear slightly elongated, lending a sense of otherworldliness to the subject. This stylistic choice moves beyond mere representation towards a symbolic portrayal.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The womans nudity suggests vulnerability and exposure, yet her posture conveys a certain strength or challenge. The orange skin tone could be interpreted as representing an altered state of being, perhaps symbolizing transformation or alienation. The surrounding forest, with its dense foliage and imposing trees, might represent the subconscious mind, nature’s power, or even a sense of confinement.
The deliberate use of color – the unnatural skin tone juxtaposed against the greens and browns of the landscape – creates visual tension and invites contemplation about themes of identity, isolation, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The painting seems to explore the boundaries between reality and dream, presenting a scene that is both familiar and unsettling.