Singer in Black
1917
oil
canvas
From the collection of Finnish National Gallery
1917
oil
canvas
From the collection of Finnish National Gallery
Dominant colour
Singer in Black is a 1917 oil by Helene Schjerfbeck, a Post-Impressionism work, held at Finnish National Gallery.
The painting depicts a woman in a black dress and hat, with her face turned slightly to the right. She is set against a dark background, which contrasts with the lighter tones of her face and clothing. The overall effect is one of simplicity and elegance. The woman's expression is enigmatic, and her gaze seems to be directed inward. The artist has used a range of brushstrokes and textures to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting. The use of black and dark colors gives the painting a somber and introspective mood. The artist, Helene Schjerfbeck, is known for her portraits of women, and this painting is a fine example of her work. If you're interested in learning more about Schjerfbeck's technique and style, you might want to explore her use of chiaroscuro, which is evident in this painting.
Helena Sofia (Helene) Schjerfbeck (pronounced ; July 10, 1862 – January 23, 1946) was a Finnish modernist painter known for her realist works and self-portraits, and also for her landscapes and still lifes.
See the richer artist page