Ataturk 1999

Nuri Iyem made this captivating portrait of Ataturk, using oil paint, sometime in the 20th century. The brushwork is gentle, almost tentative, as if Iyem is feeling his way around the contours of Ataturk’s face. Up close, the painting reveals itself as a patchwork of soft hues – ochre, muted blues, and earthy browns – all blended to create a luminous, almost ethereal effect. Look at the way Iyem renders the eyes: they are pools of light, drawing you in, hinting at a depth of character. The paint isn't overworked, it's more like a veil, allowing a sense of mystery to linger. There's a vulnerability in the gaze, a certain melancholy that resonates. This reminds me of early portraits by Lucian Freud, the way he used a muted palette and a similar sensitivity to the psychological depth of his subjects. Ultimately, it invites us to look beyond the surface and contemplate the complexities of human identity.