Self-Portrait 1928

Marie Laurencin made this self-portrait in 1928, using oil paint on canvas. These are, of course, the traditional tools of a fine artist, but let's consider how she put them to use. Laurencin's style involved thin layers of paint, almost like watercolor. Notice how the canvas texture shows through in places, giving the image a soft, ethereal feel. This was not just a matter of technique; it was a deliberate aesthetic choice. Laurencin was part of the Parisian avant-garde, a milieu that valued subtlety and a certain nonchalance. While she certainly had the skills to create highly polished, realistic images, she chose instead to emphasize the handmade quality of her work. This connected her to broader trends in early 20th century culture. Even as industrial manufacturing advanced, there was a countervailing interest in the artisanal, the personal touch. This painting beautifully embodies that tension. It’s a reminder that even the most traditional materials can be used in ways that challenge our expectations.