A mulher 

Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso painted ‘A Mulher’, or ‘The Woman’, during a period of intense artistic innovation in the early 20th century. Souza-Cardoso, a Portuguese artist working amidst the European avant-garde, merges influences from Cubism, Futurism, and Expressionism in this portrait. The subject's exaggerated features and distorted form challenge traditional portraiture, yet the rich colors and textures evoke a sense of her presence. Her clothing and adornments suggest a certain status, however the unusual application of patterns like those on her arms disrupt traditional notions of femininity. Souza-Cardoso once said, "I want my paintings to breathe." The vibrant colors and bold lines here infuse the image with life, reflecting the dynamism of the modern world and the changing role of women within it. The painting raises questions about identity, representation, and the artist's own cultural position. 'A Mulher' invites us to consider how identity is constructed and perceived, offering a glimpse into the complexities of gender, class, and artistic expression in a rapidly changing society.