Self-Portrait in the Green Bugatti by Tamara de Lempicka - 1925
 - 35 x 26 cm private collection Self-Portrait in the Green Bugatti by Tamara de Lempicka - 1925
 - 35 x 26 cm private collection

Self-Portrait in the Green Bugatti

oil on wood • 35 x 26 cm
  • Tamara de Lempicka - May 16, 1898 - March 18, 1980 Tamara de Lempicka 1925
The Self-portrait in the Green Bugatti is probably the most known painting of Polish artist, Tamara de Lempicka (originally Maria Gorska). De Lempicka painted this canvas commissioned by a German fashion magazine called Die Dame for a cover. Many believe that this painting is a tribute to the dancer Isadora Duncan, who died in a car, strangled when her scarf became entangled around the rear wheel. But the painting by De Lempicka was completed two years before and, therefore, couldn’t have any connection with the tragic event. This painting is simply a self-portrait in which the artist shows herself free and independent. At that time, it was unusual to see women driving cars. Her half-closed eyes give her an indifferent but astute expression. This is the portrait of a femme fatale. The violent play of light and shadows can be seen in her dress, which has lighted areas almost white which, immediately, become completely black in the dark. This contrast makes the painting both cold and dramatic, characteristics typical of all De Lempicka’s paintings. This one is for you John!