Portrait de Jeanne 1908

Curator: Standing before us is André Lhote's "Portrait de Jeanne," painted in 1908. Lhote was a key figure in the development of Cubism and his early works such as this one demonstrate a blending of symbolism and the burgeoning art nouveau movement with Intimism Editor: Wow, she has these eyes, right? like she can see right through me, it’s almost unnerving. I wonder what she would say to us if she came alive right now! There’s almost a theatrical feel to it; I find my mind imagining stories surrounding the subject’s life at this moment, captured here forever. Curator: Absolutely, her penetrating gaze invites the viewer into a dialogue and its interesting the time in which it was made and Lhote's journey; The style reflects the intellectual currents influencing artists at that time that would have the effect to reject rigid academic styles. The bold brushwork also prefigures Lhote's later engagement with cubism and this exploration is important. Editor: I agree, those brushstrokes give the portrait such great immediacy. And you feel his process; not so much perfect representation as grasping a mood or a state of mind, even with this simplified geometricity... How do you think Jeanne felt being painted like this?! Curator: That’s an insightful question. Portraits can indeed be read as complex negotiations between artist, sitter, and society; Lhote may be emphasizing her strength and independence and her status within society at this moment, or perhaps he's offering a vision of modern womanhood. Her clothes could signify a reference for religion, spirituality, as if the painter were an agent or interpreter of bigger meaning. Editor: Yes and as viewers we all create our personal interpretation which evolves constantly I see the same "Jeanne" being painted as being this representation or almost like an emblem. She feels now like a mysterious spirit for me and what do you see here? Curator: Ultimately, "Portrait de Jeanne" remains a complex testament to Lhote's exploration, echoing into today’s discussions surrounding art and meaning; It’s a bridge to past visions of the modern female figure within visual culture and political status and cultural status. Editor: Beautiful. For me, I felt an instant connection to her piercing eyes... And yes I do believe this woman carries so many narratives to explore within; so that every gaze becomes not only an encounter with paint on a canvas, but a shared intimate secret.