Mystical Head, Head Of A Girl (Frontal) (1918)

"Mystical Head, Head Of A Girl (Frontal)" by Alexej von Jawlensky, painted in 1918, is a captivating exploration of color and emotion through the medium of portraiture. This painting portrays the head of a girl, presented frontally, but it transcends the traditional boundaries of portraiture by adopting an abstract, almost spiritual approach.Von Jawlensky utilizes a vivid palette that imbues the piece with a luminous, almost otherworldly quality. The face is composed of bold, unblended patches of color including blues, greens, yellows, and reds, which contour the face in an unusual yet harmonious manner. These colors do not mimic natural skin tones but rather suggest a deeper, symbolic representation, possibly reflecting the artist's inner feelings or the spiritual aura of the subject.The girl's features, such as her large, almond-shaped eyes, stylized eyebrows, and lips, are defined with dark outlines that enhance the dramatic effect of the facial expression. The eyes, gazing directly out of the canvas, engage viewers directly, serving as windows to the soul and emphasizing a connection between the subject and the observer.This painting is a perfect example of how Jawlensky, a key figure in the Expressionist movement, broke away from conventional forms to delve into the psychological and spiritual territories through his art.