The artwork titled “Andre Derain” by artist Balthus, created in 1936, is an oil painting on wood and exemplifies the Expressionist movement. It is a portrait genre piece, currently housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The painting presents a commanding portrait of a man standing in the foreground, occupying the majority of the canvas. The man is depicted wearing a vertically striped bathrobe with hues of brown, tan, and white, which envelops his solid form. His body language suggests authority or self-assurance, with one hand placed over his chest and the other accentuating a loosely tied belt. His facial expression conveys a direct and intense gaze, establishing a strong connection with the viewer.
In the background, there is a slight hint of a domestic interior, with an open door and artworks leaning against the wall, possibly signifying a private space of creativity and reflection. A smaller figure of a woman is seated to the right side of the composition, rendered with less emphasis. She appears to be in a contemplative state, adding an element of narrative or personal relationship to the scene.
Balthus’s application of paint reflects the expressive qualities inherent to the Expressionist movement, focusing on emotional representation over realism. The artwork is characterized by bold strokes, simplified forms, and a palette that emphasizes the emotional content of the portrait.
