50. A True Gentleman (Self-Portrait at 39 Years Old) [1925]

Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpăna, a constant and intense presence in the 20th century art scene, demonstrates through his works a keen sense of observation and a refined sense of the concrete. Without seeking, as he himself states, "neither the extravagance devoid of content, nor the naturalistic detail devoid of significance", he primarily strives to "maintain direct contact with nature, the source of all authentic emotions". Portraits occupy a significant place in his work, portraying both anonymous faces and known personalities. The work at hand, created in 1925, in the first period of his work, is part of a long series of self-portraits made at different stages of the artist's life. Zoe Apostolache-Stoicescu identifies in this series a bibliographic value, even a spiritual one. She asserts that his self-portraits are not simple discharges of instincts, but the consolidation of the artist's inner world. From a plastic point of view, the portrait stands out through a spontaneous yet descriptive approach. Cumpăna uses few tones, mixes them on the palette, not directly on the canvas, and through the multiple shades obtained, outlines a contemplative, almost meditative frame. The vigor of realism characterizes his work, regardless of technique or theme approached. In his paintings, the color is often laid in firm, clear strokes, the paste is dense, saturated. Cumpăna paints with precision, but also with well-controlled spontaneity, managing to capture in portraits attitudes and emotional states that define his models.

References

APOSTOLACHE-STOICESCU, Zoe, ZIELINSCKI, Maximilian, "Painter Schweitzer-Cumpăna, Fragments of Life", Cumpăna Foundation Publishing, Bucharest, 2014. POENARU, Gheorghe, "Schweitzer Cumpăna", Meridiane Publishing, Bucharest, 1969.

Dimensions

width 44 cm, height 57 cm

Description

oil on cardboard, signed and dated bottom right, in red, "R. Schweitzer-Cumpăna, (1)925"

Lot.notes

Dedicated on the back: "To Mr. V. Alexandrescu, with homage, admiration and friendship from the author."

Dating

1925

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