La femme en chemise

A woman sits in a relaxed, almost playful pose, her hand resting against her cheek as she looks directly at the viewer. Derain uses bold, unexpected colors to shape her body and surroundings, letting pinks, blues, and greens define form rather than realistic shading. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, giving the portrait a sense of immediacy, as if the artist captured her mood in a single burst of energy.

Created during Derain’s Fauvist period, the work reflects his desire to free color from naturalism. The woman’s features are simplified and exaggerated, yet her presence feels warm and human. Her slightly tilted posture and the curve of her arm add softness to the electric palette. The portrait becomes less about likeness and more about emotion, offering a glimpse of personality through vibrant, intuitive color.