1915 Painting Appraisal

Woman with a Mirror, 1915 Oil Painting on Canvas by David Burliuk

This item is an oil painting on canvas titled 'Woman with a Mirror' by David Burliuk, created in 1915. The painting measures approximately 20 inches in height by 16 inches in width, though exact dimensions are not provided within the image. It features a reclining female nude figure rendered in a stylized, somewhat abstracted manner. The background and surrounding elements are fragmented into a mosaic of geometric shapes and planes, characteristic of Cubist or Futurist influences. The color palette is vibrant and diverse, utilizing reds, greens, yellows, blues, purples, and oranges, often applied with visible brushstrokes, indicating a textured surface. The figure itself is depicted with warm, earthy tones for skin, contrasting with the sharp, dynamic angles of the background. Observable details include the curvilinear forms of the body set against the angular fragmentation of the surroundings. There are no readily visible prominent manufacturing details such as maker's marks or signatures on the face of the canvas, though a signature 'Burliuk' is visible in the lower left quadrant. The painting appears to be in an unframed state. The surface shows some signs of age-related wear, including minor scuffs or abrasions consistent with its age. There are no obvious tears or significant damage visible, suggesting a relatively good state of preservation for a piece of this age. The impasto is moderate, adding to the tactile quality of the piece. The overall craftsmanship reflects the avant-garde artistic movements of the early 20th century, emphasizing form, color, and geometric deconstruction. The 'mirror' element is not explicitly depicted as a traditional mirror but is likely implied through the fragmented, reflective quality of the surrounding geometric planes or the figure's self-contemplation within the composition.