Artwork
The Yellow Scale
The Yellow Scale is an oil painting by the Art Nouveau artist František Kupka. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
About this work
Overview
The Yellow Scale is a large oil-on-canvas painting created by František Kupka in 1907. It is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting is a self-portrait of Kupka, depicting him seated in a yellow chair, lost in thought, with a cigarette and book in hand. The dominant yellow tones evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, while his dark hair and serious expression provide a striking contrast.
Technique & Style
Kupka's use of a range of yellow tones, from warm cadmium to bright lemon, creates a vibrant and expressive palette. The artist's form is rendered in pinks and purples, adding depth and nuance to the composition, and exploring traditional color theory.
Context
The painting has been associated with the protagonist of Joris-Karl Huysmans' novel À rebours, and has been used to illustrate the Penguin Classics edition of the book.
Artist & collection
Artist
František Kupka (also known as Frank Kupka or François Kupka; 23 September 1871 – 24 June 1957) was a Czech painter and illustrator who moved from realism to abstract art, pioneering Orphism.
Προσωπογραφία Α.Γ.Ξ
Self-Portrait in Hat and Coat
My Ill Grandfather
M. de Lauradour
Portrait of Stanisław Czajkowski, painter, artist’s brother
Portrait of Alberto Giacometti
Untitled
Gustav Schiefler
Portrait of the Painter Karl Schou
Portrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier)
Selbstporträt- Self-Portrait against Yellow Background