Femme à la Boule (Woman with the Sphere)
Painting on canvas • Merdack Janean
Style & Movement
Expressionism / Fauvism influence, characterized by stylized figures, bold outlines, and non-naturalistic color usage.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing heavy impasto with visible, rhythmic brushstrokes and a vibrant, expressive palette.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, circa 1950s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 70 cm x 55 cm (27.5" x 21.6"); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A stylized female figure wearing an architectural or neoclassical garment, holding a prominent blue sphere (possibly a bowling ball or globe). The background features decorative floral or abstract circular motifs beneath a scalloped border, suggesting a theatrical or circus-like setting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint layer appears stable with a healthy impasto texture. The colors remain highly saturated.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Displays a clear signature 'merdack janean' on the right side. Likely from a private collection or a regional gallery specializing in mid-century European or American expressionism.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the mid-century trend of merging classical motifs (the toga-like dress) with modern, expressive brushwork. It reflects an interest in the tactile quality of paint and the psychological tension found in figurative abstraction.
Notable Features
The most striking feature is the highly textured impasto, particularly visible in the white headpiece and the blue sphere, which gives the painting a sculptural, three-dimensional quality under directional lighting.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight yellowing of the varnish. Minimal frame rub along the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove accumulated dust. Should be kept in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to preserve the intensity of the pigments.