Mystical head (1917)

Alexej Georgewitsch von Jawlensky (13 March 1864 – 15 March 1941) was a Russian expressionist painter who lived and worked primarily in Germany for most of his artistic life. Originally from Russia, he began his career with military training as an officer before ultimately dedicating himself to art, going on to study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.

Jawlensky emerged as a leading figure in the Expressionist movement, distinguished by his striking use of color and pioneering approach to portraiture. He helped establish the New Munich Artist's Association (Neue Künstlervereinigung München), a group that played a crucial role in introducing modern art to the German public.

Subsequently, he became part of Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider), alongside prominent artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc. The Blue Rider group had a profound influence on the evolution of early 20th-century modern art, placing particular emphasis on spiritual expression and abstraction.

Later in his career, Jawlensky collaborated with Kandinsky, Paul Klee, and Lyonel Feininger to form Die Blaue Vier (The Blue Four). His later works, especially his series of abstract heads and contemplative portraits, are renowned for their exploration of spirituality and deep emotional expression through painting.