Prophet (Sibyl) (1913)

"Prophet (Sibyl)" is a compelling painting by Russian expressionist artist Alexej von Jawlensky, created in 1913. This artwork, striking in its bold use of color and dramatic forms, is a distinctive example of Jawlensky's exploration into the spiritual and the abstract through human portraits.The painting presents a stylized face, characterized by a remarkable intensity. Dominating the canvas is a mask-like visage that uses contrasting and vivid colors. The face is composed of yellow, red, and green patches, while black contoured lines define the haunting, almond-shaped eyes, and the pronounced, open mouth. These features lend the figure a prophetic and somewhat mystical expression, resonating with the symbolic weight of a sibyl—a figure from ancient times believed to possess oracular powers.The background and the attire of the figure are rendered in dark, muted tones, which serve to emphasize the face. Around the head, what appears to be a halo or decorative elements in white and light blues adds a celestial or regal dimension to the figure, further enhancing its mysterious and authoritative aura.In "Prophet (Sibyl)," Jawlensky invites viewers into a contemplative dialogue with the spiritual, using the expressiveness of the face as a medium to explore deeper emotional and metaphysical themes.