Artwork
Hermine David
Hermine David is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Jules Pascin. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
Jules Pascin’s 1907 oil painting titled Hermine David portrays the artist’s partner, Hermine David, in a half‑length portrait. Executed in oil on canvas, the work resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The composition presents the sitter in a wide‑brimmed hat, her face turned slightly toward the viewer, set against a muted background of pale blues and whites.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Hermine David at an intimate moment, emphasizing her personal presence rather than formal status. The slight turn of her head and the soft shadow cast by the hat’s brim suggest a fleeting glance, inviting contemplation of her character and the private bond between artist and model.
Technique & Style
Pascin employs rapid, sketch‑like brushwork, allowing edges to blur and colors to blend with a loose, almost spontaneous quality. Light and shadow are rendered with delicate gradations, while the hat’s brim creates a subtle chiaroscuro on her cheek. The overall effect resembles a captured instant, prioritizing vitality over meticulous finish.
History & Provenance
Created during Pascin’s early Paris period, the painting entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition, reflecting the museum’s commitment to early modernist portraiture. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s circle, underscoring the work’s personal and historical significance within Pascin’s oeuvre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Julius Mordecai Pincas (March 31, 1885 – June 2, 1930), known as Pascin (French: , erroneously or ), Jules Pascin, also known as the "Prince of Montparnasse", was a Bulgarian artist of the School of Paris, known for his paintings and…
