Kizette Au Châle Polonais (Polish Girl) 1929

This is Tamara de Lempicka’s Polish Girl, painted sometime in the early 20th century, probably with oils on canvas. Look at how she builds the face from smooth, almost porcelain-like surfaces. It’s fascinating because it's all about process, moving from dark to light to create this kind of polished form. You know, when I see this painting, I think about the art deco movement, how it’s all about clean lines and geometric shapes. The black background really makes the girl pop, and the red flowers on her shawl add a touch of warmth to the cool tones of the face. And those hands holding the book – they're so smooth and elegant, like sculptures. I also admire how she balances the softness of the girl's features with the sharp angles of the shawl. The Old Polish Woman by Jan Matejko comes to mind, especially in how both artists capture a sense of dignity and strength in their subjects. Ultimately, painting, just like seeing, is all about how you make something your own.