Oil on fibreboard. Inscribed with the artist's name on the reverse, presumably by a hand other than that of the artist, as well as dated “1917(?)” by yet another hand or by Lisa Kümmel. 25.5 x 16 cm.
[CH].

• Vibrant, front-view portrait from the series of the “Mystical Heads.”
• With a radically reduced visual language and maximally liberated use of color, inspired and influenced by the Parisian avant-garde, Jawlensky strikes a fascinating balance between figuration and abstraction.
• During these years, the artist found new strength in the motif of the portrait head, which was central to his entire oeuvre.
• Comparable “Mystical Heads” are part of the collections of many museums, among them the Museum Morsbroich, Leverkusen, the Landesmuseum Darmstadt, the Kunstmuseum Basel, and the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena.
• Significant provenance: From the estate of Jawlensky's trusted friend Lisa Kümmel. - Until June 1, 2025, the Louisiana Museum in Humlebæk, Denmark, presents a comprehensive solo exhibition of the artist's works.
LITERATURE: Maria Jawlensky/Lucia Pieroni-Jawlensky/Angelica Jawlensky, Alexej Jawlensky. Catalogue Raisonné of the Oil Paintings, vol. II: 1914-1933, Munich 1992, p. 225, cat. rais. no. 923 (illustrated in black and white). - - Nagel Auktionen, Stuttgart, October 18, 2002, p. 159, lot 538 (illustrated).

Unbekannte Arbeiten, Galerie Thomas, Munich, February 3 - March 25, 1978, p. 27 (illustrated in color on p. 28)

Lisa Kümmel, Wiesbaden. Karl Kümmel, Wiesbaden (from the above in 1944). Galerie Thomas, Munich (from 1978, on commission from the above). Private collection, North Rhine-Westphalia. Galerie Thomas, Munich. Private collection, South Germany (acquired from the above)

Characteristic work, in good condition. Isolated tiny surface blemishes. A subtle trace of rubbing on the right cheek. The corners of the image very slightly rubbed. The tip of the upper right corner of the image with a small crease mark. With narrow, professionally executed retouches running parallel to the edge of the image around the center of the upper edge and near the right edge of the image. In addition, there are a few tiny, expertly retouched spots on the left edge of the image. Edges with isolated tiny golden adhesions from the framing. The condition report was compiled in daylight and with the help of a UV light source to the best of our knowledge and belief.