Artwork

Self-Portrait with Palette

Self-Portrait with Palette, by Nadezhda Udaltsova, oil, 1915
Self-Portrait with Palette, by Nadezhda Udaltsova, oil, 1915

Self-Portrait with Palette is an oil painting by Nadezhda Udaltsova. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Self-Portrait with Palette, created by Nadezhda Andreevna Udaltsova in 1915, is an oil painting that exemplifies her involvement with avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. The work is characterized by its blend of Cubist, Cubo-Futurist, and Suprematist elements.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Udaltsova herself, neutrally expressive, holding a palette against a composite, muted background. The self-portrait conveys her artistic identity, with the palette symbolizing her craft amidst the evolving landscape of modern art.

Technique & Style

Udaltsova employs geometric simplification of forms, evident in the treatment of her face, hair, and dress. The use of bold, contrasting colors and chiaroscuro adds depth, aligning the work with the avant-garde's experimentation of the time.

History & Provenance

Self-Portrait with Palette is part of the Tretyakov Gallery's collection, reflecting its significance within Russian and Soviet art historical narratives.

Context

Painted in 1915, the work reflects the tumultuous and creatively fertile period in Russian art, where multiple avant-garde movements intersected and influenced one another.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the painting's style and the artist's affiliation with prominent movements suggest it contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of early 20th-century Russian avant-garde art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nadezhda Udaltsova

Artist

Nadezhda Udaltsova

Nadezhda Andreevna Udaltsova (née Prudkovskaia; Russian: Наде́жда Андре́евна Удальцо́ва; 29 December 1885 – 25 January 1961) was a Russian and Soviet artist, painter and teacher.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Tretyakov Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.