The Occupation Of Paris 1943

Tom Lovell's, The Occupation Of Paris, made with oil paints, presents us with such a striking juxtaposition of power and vulnerability. You can see it in the way the figures are rendered with these soft, almost yielding brushstrokes, yet there's a clear definition to their forms. It’s like Lovell is feeling his way through the scene. The colors are muted, somber even. This all feels very intentional, drawing our attention to the subtle textures. The red of the curtains is so deep, almost velvety, while the skin of the young woman holding the child is luminous. It's this contrast that really pulls you in. The way the light falls on the child's face, the soft curve of the woman's cheek, it's all so delicate and vulnerable, especially when you consider the very harsh presence of the soldier, standing so rigidly, rifle in hand. Lovell's really got the influence of illustrators like Norman Rockwell in this piece, but with a darker, more narrative edge. Ultimately, Lovell leaves us with more questions than answers, doesn't he? And that's what makes it so compelling, the ambiguity and depth that invites endless interpretations.