Portrait of Francesco Iturrino 1914

Andre Derain painted "Portrait of Francesco Iturrino", a haunting depiction of the Basque painter. Derain was working in Paris at a time when artists grappled with rapid social change, the rise of industrialization, and its impact on identity. Iturrino, known for his vibrant depictions of Spanish life, is rendered here in somber tones, a palette at odds with his own artistic style. His skin is yellow, his eyes hold a certain melancholy. The portrait captures the essence of a man caught between worlds, perhaps reflecting Iturrino's own struggles with national identity and artistic expression. The somber palette and stark presentation may reflect the turbulent political climate of Europe at the time and Derain's own emotional response to it. Rather than a straightforward representation, Derain offers a psychological study, prompting us to consider the complexities of identity in a changing world.