Portrait of a Boy Chaïm Soutine (1893-1943)

The painting presents a young boy depicted against a deep blue background. The composition is straightforward: a bust-length portrait centered on the figures face and upper torso. The artist employed a limited palette dominated by blues, blacks, and muted flesh tones, creating an atmosphere of somber introspection.
Here we see the boy’s features rendered with a degree of simplification; details are suggested rather than meticulously defined. His hair is dark, cropped short, and falls forward onto his forehead. A high collar frames his neck, further emphasizing the angularity of his face. The skin tones appear somewhat pallid, accentuated by the redness on his cheeks and the subtle blue undertones in his eyes.
The boy’s gaze is directed slightly off-center, conveying a sense of detachment or perhaps quiet contemplation. Theres an ambiguity to his expression; it isnt overtly joyful nor sorrowful, but rather suggests a complex inner life. The brushwork is visible throughout the painting, contributing to a textured surface and a feeling of immediacy. The application of paint appears somewhat rough, with broad strokes that define form and volume without precise outlining.
The background’s deep blue hue serves not only as contrast to the boys darker clothing but also contributes to an overall sense of melancholy or isolation. It seems to envelop the figure, creating a psychological space rather than simply serving as a backdrop. The limited color range and simplified forms suggest a focus on capturing the essence of the subject’s character rather than a purely realistic representation.
Subtly, there is a feeling of formality in the portraits presentation – the boy’s attire and posture imply a certain social standing or expectation. However, this formality is undermined by the somewhat unconventional rendering of his features and the overall mood of quiet reserve. The painting invites reflection on themes of youth, identity, and the complexities of inner experience.