Damenbildnis

About this artwork

Vorderseite eines ursprünglich beidseitig bemalten Kartons (vgl. Inv.-Nr. 4605). Der Karton wurde 1957 aufgetrennt und beide Seiten auf Leinwand aufgezogen.

Art Historical Context

**Damenbildnis (Portrait of a Lady),. 1908** *Alexej von Jawlensky, Oil on cardboard, mounted on canvas,65.5 × 44.5 cm* Alexej von Jawlensky a Russian artist who became a pivotal figure in early 20th-century Expressionism, *Damenbildnis* 1908 during his time in Munich. This intimate portrait captures the essence of a woman in bold, simplified forms and vibrant colors, reflecting Jawlensky's transition from Post-Impressionist influences—like those of Cézanne and Van Gogh—to the emotional intensity of Expressionism. Though not yet part of the Blaue Reiter group he co-founded in 1911, this work foreshadows his signature style of mystical heads and faces, emphasizing inner spirituality over naturalistic detail. Painted on cardboard—a practical, economical support popular among avant-garde artists—this piece was originally double-sided, with both surfaces bearing artwork (see related Inv.-Nr. 4605). In 1957, conservators carefully separated the layers and mounted them on canvas for preservation, revealing Jawlensky's resourceful experimentation. Housed in Vienna's Belvedere Collection, *Damenbildnis* offers a window into the dynamic pre-war art scene, where Jawlensky bridged Eastern mysticism and Western modernism, inviting viewers to ponder the sitter's enigmatic gaze.