Nicole Marette, Self-portrait with Red Shirt, Oil Painting on Cardboard, midcentury

This unusual midcentury oil painting on cardboard is a self-portrait by French painter Nicole Marette (1931-1921). It showcases a gorgeous palette, with vibrant colours such as the red shirt set against the white that surrounds the head and the brown of the cardboard. Similarly, the elegant details of the face contrast with the bold brushstrokes on the edges of the shirt, using the cardboard as an integral part of the work. The still pose of the artist exudes a sense of confidence that gives this large work a lot of presence. It is complemented by a modern black frame.