Deux Enfants 1918

Tsuguharu Foujita made this painting, Deux Enfants, using oil paint on canvas. Look closely and you'll see how Foujita has achieved a porcelain-like quality through the smoothness of the surface and the fine lines, blending Eastern and Western traditions. Foujita often used a special underpainting technique that allowed the colors to appear luminous against the stark white skin of his figures. The artist's delicate touch and use of layering create an almost ethereal quality, softening the intensity of the reds and blues. Notice the background's simplicity and the precision of the brushstrokes to convey depth, but without pulling your eyes away from the children. The careful balancing act showcases his technical skill, merging a traditional sensibility with modern aesthetics. Ultimately, the painting reminds us that every artwork is a product of deliberate choices about materials and processes, influencing not just its appearance but also its cultural significance.