#19498 Marie Van Dongen

The work presents a portrait of a woman rendered in watercolor and ink on paper. The composition is straightforward: a bust-length depiction centered against a warm, ochre background that appears somewhat aged or distressed. This backdrop contributes to the overall sense of faded glamour and bygone elegance.
Here we see a female figure with a strikingly stylized appearance. Her hair is cropped short, in a fashionable bob characteristic of the interwar period. The dark color contrasts sharply with her pale skin, emphasizing the angularity of her features. Her eyes are heavily shadowed, lending an air of melancholy or perhaps world-weariness. A bold slash of red defines her lips, drawing attention to her mouth as she holds a cigarette between her fingers. Smoke is not visibly depicted, but the presence of the cigarette itself suggests indulgence and sophistication.
The woman’s attire further reinforces this impression. She wears what appears to be a fur stole or wrap draped around her shoulders, adding a layer of luxury and opulence. The rendering of the fur is loose and expressive, achieved through quick brushstrokes that suggest texture rather than precise detail. Her hand, delicately positioned near her chin, hints at contemplation or boredom.
The artist’s technique contributes significantly to the paintings mood. The use of watercolor allows for a fluidity and transparency in the depiction of light and shadow. Ink outlines define key features, creating a graphic quality that borders on caricature while retaining a degree of realism. This combination of techniques lends the portrait an intriguing ambiguity – it is both flattering and slightly unsettling.
Subtly, the painting conveys themes of modernity, female independence, and perhaps a touch of disillusionment. The woman’s gaze is directed downwards, avoiding direct engagement with the viewer, suggesting a sense of detachment or introspection. The cigarette serves as a symbol not only of luxury but also of rebellion against societal norms. Overall, the work evokes an atmosphere of sophisticated melancholy, characteristic of a particular era and its associated cultural values.