Anders
Zorn
1860-1920 |
The Self-Portraits of
Anders Zorn
The great Swedish master looks into the mirror.
nders Zorn (1860-1920) occupies an enviable
place in art history. His name is invariably
included in an illustrious quartet of late nineteenth-century/early
twentieth century masters of the art of premier
coup (direct stroke) oil technique. The four
names which are customarily linked are: John
Singer Sargent (American), Joaquin Sorolla (Spanish),
Giovanni Boldini (Italian) and Zorn (Scandinavian).
Legion were (and are) the painters who have
attempted this very difficult and demanding
technique, but these four, working contemporaneously,
were the standard-bearers of the discipline
in their era.
Zorn's work is always exciting. His draftsmanship
is superb. His brushwork is fresh, direct and
animated. His compositions are frequently unconventional.
For the working artist who needs inspiration
to free his hand from hesitation and restraint,
Zorn is the perfect artist to study. Here are
four examples of his brilliant work, all self-portraits:
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3. Self-Portrait in a Red Suit,
1915
Zorn's international reputation
rests on the strong realism of his
work, achieved by a vigorous bold
simplicity. (Note the window, achieved
with a very few direct, slashing
brushstrokes.) The unusual red suit
is rendered with extraordinary simplicity,
but with utterly convincing realism.
Oil
on canvas, 47 x 35 inches
(120cm x 90 cm)
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