Portrait of Mrs. Lydia Keirkner 1922

Magnus Enckell painted this portrait of Mrs. Lydia Keirkner with oils, but we don't know exactly when. The loose brushwork gives the painting an unfinished feel, like we are catching a glimpse of Mrs. Keirkner in a moment of contemplation. There is a softness to the piece, the paint is applied in thin layers allowing the warm tones of the ground to glow through the darker shades creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and slightly melancholic. Take a look at the way Enckell has rendered the dress. It’s almost entirely black, yet there is a subtle play of light and shadow suggesting volume and movement. This reminds me of the work of Whistler, with it's subdued palette and emphasis on mood. Like Whistler, Enckell seems more interested in evoking a feeling, than capturing a likeness. Ultimately, this painting feels like an invitation to slow down, look closely, and embrace the beauty of ambiguity.