Portrait Of Jean Cocteau

Moses Kisling was friendly with many young artists who settled in Paris in the early twentieth century. With many of them he even lived under the same roof. But the closest was his friend Amedeo Modigliani. In the end, it was Kisling never had to make funeral arrangements Modigliani, when his life was tragically cut short at the age of 35 years. Brush Amedeo belongs the most famous portrait Kislingfriends often worked together and organized art competitions. As a result of one of them came to light portrait of Jean Cocteau. More precisely, at once two.

Once Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso visited Moses Kisling in his Studio in Montparnasse. At the same time in the Studio was Modigliani, and friends persuaded Cocteau to pose them for portraits. Most likely, their goal was to compare styles, but it is possible that between the artists was signed some kind of bet. Whatever it was, it is known that the canvas on which he worked Modigliani originally belonged to the Kisling. Under a layer of paint, the researchers found the portrait of Kisling (his work) with his wife and dog.

Modigliani depicted Cocteau just and is not distracted by details but without losing the individual style. Kiesling has created a very special mood, expanding the space around the character and typing it into the interior of his Studio. Mismatched tables and chairs, mug, standing at arm's length from Cocteau, a piece of scenery outside the window, comfortably curled up on the floor of a dog... All these little things and warm colors selected by Kiesling, create a unique atmosphere, the feeling of life inside of the canvas. Even the hero portrait, depicted half-turned, not looking posing, and just seems to reflect or closely listening to the friendly conversation.

Author: Eugene Sidelnikov