Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Portrait of a Woman, by Alvar Cawén, oil, 1915
Portrait of a Woman, by Alvar Cawén, oil, 1915

Portrait of a Woman is an oil painting by Alvar Cawén. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Finnish National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Woman is a 1915 oil painting by Finnish artist Alvar Cawén, featuring a seated female subject. The work is part of the collection at the Ateneum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on a woman with short brown hair, dressed in a dark-colored dress, her right hand gently touching her hair as she gazes to the left. Her expression and the overall composition convey a sense of introspection.

Technique & Style

Cawén employed oil paint to create a striking contrast between the subject and the dark, blurred background, emphasizing the woman's presence. The style highlights the subject's contours and texture, set against a subdued, non-descript space.

History & Provenance

Created in 1915, the portrait is currently housed at the Ateneum, a prominent Finnish art museum.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alvar Cawén

Artist

Alvar Cawén

Alvar Cawén (1886–1935) was an artist, born in Korpilahti.