The artwork in question, executed in charcoal on paper, is a striking portrait by Umberto Boccioni of the individual known as Carlo Carrá. This portrait is attributed to the Expressionism movement, which seeks to depict the emotional experience rather than physical reality. Boccioni, a renowned artist within this movement, has focused on distilling the essence of his subject in a manner that is personal and impactful.
The artwork features an evocative, exploratory representation of the subject’s face. Expressionist in style, it leverages the inherent drama of charcoal to emphasize the features and emotional state of the individual portrayed. There is a stark contrast between the light and the dark areas, with the use of bold, sweeping lines to depict the contours of the face, hair, and eyes, conveying a sense of depth and intensity. The signature of the artist is conspicuously included within the composition, further personalizing this work and asserting its authenticity.
Distinct from realistic portraits, the piece does not seek to imitate the fine details of the individual’s appearance but rather to express the character and mood through exaggerated forms and expressive mark-making. The artist has imbued the artwork with a sense of urgency and vitality that is characteristic of the Expressionist aim to elicit an emotional response from the viewer.
