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.

Based on my examination of the image and the provided details for David Burliuk's 'Woman with a Mirror', 1915, oil on canvas, I estimate its value. The painting's dimensions are stated as approximately 20x16 inches. Visually, the condition appears good for its age, with minor scuffs and abrasions consistent with a 1915 work. The visible 'Burliuk' signature in the lower left quadrant suggests authenticity, though definitive authentication from images alone is impossible. I note the vibrant palette and cubist/futurist influences, typical of Burliuk's avant-garde period. Market conditions for significant works by David Burliuk are strong, especially for pieces from his early 20th-century avant-garde phase. Comparable sales for Burliuk's oil paintings of similar scale and period, particularly those depicting figures or showing strong modernist characteristics, frequently command high prices at international auction houses. An example would be his works appearing at Sotheby's or Christie's, often realizing figures in the high five to low six digits. The demand for Burliuk's work remains consistent among collectors specializing in Russian avant-garde art. Its rarity, being an original painting from a pivotal period in his career, significantly impacts its value positively. Factors impacting this value include its impressive artistic merit, historical significance within the Russian avant-garde movement, and apparent good condition. However, a major limitation is verifying authenticity solely from images. A full in-person examination is crucial to confirm the signature's authencity, assess the surface for restoration or overpainting, and verify the medium and support. Provenance documentation, such as exhibition history or previous ownership records, would be essential for full authentication. Scientific testing, like pigment analysis or infra-red photography, could also provide definitive proof of age and authenticity. Without this, my appraisal carries the caveat of being based on visual information only.