Portrait of a Girl

This particularly sophisticated and artistically masterful figurative painting from the 1910s represents an extremely sensitive piece, which works with Mucha’s favourite combination of red and white, creating not only a visual contrast but also testifying to the author’s deep interest in Slavism and pagan and Christian symbols, originating from the aesthetic theory of the last quarter of the nineteenth century. At that time, Mucha very often focused on depicting women and girls, many of whom loosely referenced the Slavic mythology that was his lifelong fascination. The painting is a confidently executed and visually attractive composition by the world-famous Czech Parisian and original representative of Art Nouveau. Here, in characteristic style, he captures the subject’s features convincingly, shaping the contours of the face, which contrasts starkly with the highly abstract background. Traces of the decorative floral motifs that often appear in Mucha’s work of this time are also present. Rather than a specific portrait, here we are encountering the author’s engagement with an allegory of higher thought, or at least a muse. Connections can be drawn between this period and slightly later, more clearly defined allegories, such as Slavia (1920), Muse (1920), and particularly Fate (1920), which also contain the mentioned ornamentation.

The value, authenticity, and more precise placement of this canvas within Mucha’s overall artistic portfolio are confirmed by its publication in the cultural periodical Zlatá Praha (Golden Prague, vol. 33, no. 24, 1916, p. 281, under the title Study). The work is presented in an ornate period frame. Assessed in consultation with Professor R. Prahl, CSc., and PhDr. Š. Leubnerová. The professional expertise of PhDr. K. Srp is attached.