Portrait of Sculptor Stefan Zbigniewicz 1930

Olga Boznanska made this portrait of sculptor Stefan Zbigniewicz with oil on canvas, and the way she's built up the image is fascinating to me. It's all about how the marks come together, like a puzzle, to create something that feels both solid and dreamlike. Looking closely, you can see how the paint is applied in layers, creating a real sense of depth and texture. The colors are muted, mostly browns and greens, but there are these little pops of brighter hues that catch your eye. I'm drawn to the way she's handled the hand supporting the chin – it’s almost like a study in form, and it's these little details that bring the whole painting to life. Boznanska's work reminds me a little of Whistler, that same interest in atmosphere and mood. But she's got her own thing going on, a real sensitivity to the way paint can capture a feeling, a moment in time. It’s a beautiful thing.