Portrait of L.L 

Dora Boneva painted this portrait of L.L. with oil on cardboard, though the date is unknown. It is easy to assume that this piece was produced during Bulgaria's transition from communism in the late 20th century, as the artist was working at that time. Boneva attended the National Academy of Art in Sofia, a prominent institution during the socialist era and today. The loose brushwork and slightly somber mood of the painting evoke the sense of uncertainty that permeated the transitional period. The subject’s gaze is direct but not confrontational, suggesting a quiet contemplation. To understand this painting more fully, it would be interesting to research the role of portraiture in Bulgarian art during the late 20th century. We might also consider the individual histories of both the artist and the sitter, to better understand the social dynamics at play. As we see, context is key in understanding what a work of art might mean.