Othon Friesz: An Explorer of Styles

Othon Friesz - Portrait of Karin - 1939 - Oil on canvas - H. 53; W. 46 cm - Paris, Musée d’OrsayOthon Friesz (1879-1949) was an Academy-trained French painter who experimented in the early avant-garde movements of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism and Fauvism (all discussed elsewhere on What About Art?). But in 1907, as the novelty and excitement of Fauvism wore off, Friesz like several other Fauvist artists changed course and pursued a less colorful style of painting.

Following a painting trip to Portugal in 1911, Friesz settled on what was to become his signature method: a traditional but looser, style of oil painting. In 1912 he opened his own studio where he taught until the outbreak of war in 1914. He served in the French army until the Armistice, at which point he returned to Paris. During the 1920s he spent extended periods working in the South of France, at Toulon and in Provence. From 1929 he enjoyed an influential career as an academic Professor at the Academie Scandinave in Paris - and later, during the early 1940s at the Academie de la Grande Chaumiere. 

The work featured here, Portrait of Karin “…is an example of his undertaking "to reconstruct painting for one's own purposes", developed by the artist in the 1920s. The viewer's attention is drawn to the child's face and determined expression. The close framing gives the model a strong presence. This technique brings to mind Velasquez' portraits of the Infantas, whereas the treatment of the background evokes baroque settings and drapery. In doing this, Friesz echoes the traditions of royal and aristocratic portraits.” (Musée d’Orsay)