#07717 Umberto Boccioni (1882-1916)

The painting presents a close-up portrait of a figure, likely female, rendered in a fragmented and angular style. The subjects face is not depicted with naturalistic accuracy; instead, it appears as a collection of planes and geometric forms, suggesting a deconstruction of traditional representation. A prominent feature is the elaborate headdress or hat, constructed from overlapping shapes in shades of blue-green, grey, and black. It dominates the composition, drawing immediate attention and contributing to an overall sense of complexity.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochre, brown, and beige – punctuated by the cooler blues and greens of the headwear. The limited range contributes to a somber mood, while the contrasting colors create visual tension. Light falls unevenly across the figure’s face, highlighting certain planes and casting others into shadow, further emphasizing the fractured nature of the depiction.
The subjects expression is ambiguous; it could be interpreted as melancholic or contemplative. The downturned mouth and shadowed eyes suggest a degree of introspection or perhaps even sadness. However, the fragmented rendering makes definitive emotional assessment difficult.
Beyond the surface representation, the painting seems to explore themes of identity and perception. By dismantling the conventional portrait format, the artist challenges the viewer’s expectations and invites scrutiny of how we construct meaning from visual information. The emphasis on geometric forms suggests an interest in underlying structures and a move away from purely representational concerns. Theres a sense of psychological depth conveyed not through realistic detail but through the deliberate distortion of form and color. The work implies that identity is not fixed or easily defined, but rather a complex interplay of perspectives and experiences.

The signature U. Bocconi appears in the lower right corner, rendered in a simple, understated script.