Reclining Woman Reading 1939

Alexandru Ciucurencu's "Reclining Woman Reading" is a dance of color, probably oil, where the scene emerges from a beautiful chaos. Look how the yellow sings, right? It's like the sun landed on her dress. Ciucurencu doesn't hide his moves. You can see the strokes, the way he loaded the brush, almost like he's sculpting with pigment. It's thick in places, especially where the light hits, but then thins out, revealing the weave of the canvas. Focus on the red marks around her – they're so rhythmic, like a heartbeat, animating the whole space. They're what makes the painting so alive. I'm reminded of Matisse, but with a rawer edge. Both share a love of colour, yet Ciucurencu has a freedom in his touch, less polished but full of heart.