2. Self-Portrait With Model
Zorn's
best-known self-portrait depicts
the artist revealed by a very strong
side light which divides the face
into light and dark. The artist
wears a light gray smock, high white
collar, and full artist's cravat.
The palette shows the three pigments
which form the basis of his flesh
tones: white, yellow ochre and cadmium
red light (or vermilion).
In
a highly unconventional arrangement,
a large dark void occupies the center
of the composition, with the resting
model (who covers herself with a
dark wrap) in the upper right corner.
Note the refection of the model's
feet in the polished floor.
Click portrait to enlarge.
Oil
on canvas, 46 x 37 inches
(117cm x 94cm)
National Museum of Sweden
|
nders Zorn (1860-1920) occupies an enviable
place in art history. His name is invariably
included in an illustrious quartet of late nineteenth-century/early
twentieth century masters of the art of premier
coup (direct stroke) oil technique. The four
names which are customarily linked are: John
Singer Sargent (American), Joaquin Sorolla (Spanish),
Giovanni Boldini (Italian) and Zorn (Scandinavian).
Legion were (and are) the painters who have
attempted this very difficult and demanding
technique, but these four, working contemporaneously,
were the standard-bearers of the discipline
in their era.