Edna, (Mrs Oscar Mendelsohn) 1942

Max Meldrum created this portrait of Edna, Mrs Oscar Mendelsohn, using oil paint on canvas. The muted palette, dominated by warm browns and creams, creates a subdued and intimate atmosphere. The composition focuses on the sitter's upper body, drawing our attention to her face and patterned blouse. Meldrum was a proponent of tonalism, an approach emphasizing the accurate depiction of tonal values to create a sense of form and space. Look closely, and you will notice how the subtle gradations of light and shadow model Edna’s features. Meldrum believed that by focusing on these relationships, the artist could achieve a greater sense of realism. Consider how the soft brushstrokes and blurred edges contribute to the overall effect. The painting is less about precise detail and more about capturing the essence of the sitter. It encourages us to consider how the interplay of form and tone can convey not just an image but also a feeling or mood. This emphasis on tonal values is a key element that encourages ongoing re-interpretation.