Cubist Composition Portrait Appraisal

Jean Lambert-Rucki Cubist Composition Portrait

This artwork is an original oil or mixed media painting attributed to Jean Lambert-Rucki (1888–1967), a prominent figure of the Art Deco and Cubist movements, particularly known for his association with the Section d'Or. The composition features a stylized, overlapping figural portrait that blends elements of Cubism and Surrealism. The central figure is depicted with geometric facial features—notably high, slit-like eyes and a long, narrow nose—evoking the primitive and tribal influences common in Lambert-Rucki's mid-century work. The color palette is vibrant yet disciplined, utilizing muted earth tones in the foreground face contrasted against bold blocks of pink, blue, and forest green in the background geometry. The use of white to define the profile of a secondary figure adds a layer of depth and psychological complexity through the use of negative space. The application of paint appears smooth with deliberate edge control, characteristic of polished Art Deco aesthetics. The piece is housed in a substantial, stepped black wooden frame with a gilded or light-colored inner fillet, which complements the modernist style. While specific dimensions are not visible, the work presents as a medium-format easel painting. Condition-wise, the pigments remain saturated and the surface appears stable, though a thorough physical inspection would be required to identify fine craquelure or old restorations hidden by the frame's shadow. The signature, typically found in a lower corner or integrated into the geometry, is partially obscured in this low-resolution view, but the overall stylistic hallmarks strongly align with Lambert-Rucki's post-war production, approximately circa 1930-1950.