Artwork
Cartoon for Self Portrait
Cartoon for Self Portrait is a watercolor work on paper by the Aestheticist artist Ithell Colquhoun. It dates from 1933 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1933 watercolour by Ithell Colquhoun is a cartoon for a self-portrait, executed on wove paper mounted on card. The piece features the artist in a contemplative pose, distinguished by loose brushstrokes and a predominantly muted colour palette.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the artist herself, depicted wearing a grey top and dark skirt, holding a small dish of bright flowers in her left hand. Her serious expression contrasts with her relaxed posture, against a simple red background that subtly grounds the figure.
Technique & Style
The work combines watercolour with pen and white heightening, emphasizing expressive, almost sketchy brushstrokes. This technique lends a rough, spontaneous feel to the piece, with the vibrant flowers serving as a focal point of colour and detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1933, the self-portrait cartoon is signed by Ithell Colquhoun. Further provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
Ithell Colquhoun was an artist known for exploring various styles and themes. This piece reflects her ability to balance simplicity with expressive depth, characteristic of her broader oeuvre.
Legacy
As a preliminary study, this cartoon offers insight into Colquhoun's creative process. Its significance lies in showcasing her artistic approach to self-portraiture during the early 1930s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ithell Colquhoun was a British painter, occultist, poet and author. Stylistically her artwork was affiliated with Surrealism. In the early 1930s she met André Breton in Paris, and later started working with Surrealist…
