Yvonne Mondin - Portrait of a Woman

This exceptional Yvonne Mondin portrait from circa 1930 represents a masterful example of French expressionist art from the interwar period. The renowned artist Yvonne Mondin (1898-1967) created this captivating oil painting portrait during the height of European expressionism, showcasing her distinctive style and technical mastery.

The expressionist portrait depicts a young woman with elegantly styled wavy blonde hair and striking red lips, characteristic of 1930s portraiture. The subject wears a crisp white buttoned shirt beneath a vibrant multicolored striped vest featuring rich burgundy, golden yellow, and emerald green tones. This signed Yvonne Mondin painting demonstrates the artist's bold approach to color and form and is presented in an elegant gold frame with classical stepped moldings.

Yvonne Mondin's expressionist technique is evident in the loose, confident brushstrokes that create remarkable texture and movement throughout the composition. The oil painting technique showcases visible brushwork that adds depth and vitality to the portrait, a hallmark of European expressionist art from this period.

The background features a dramatic chromatic division with intense crimson reds on the left transitioning to deep cobalt blues on the right. This dynamic color contrast serves to frame and emphasize the subject's face, demonstrating Mondin's sophisticated understanding of color theory and composition.

Marie Yvonne Mondin was a distinguished French painter and printmaker who became a prominent figure in the vibrant Parisian art scene of the early-to-mid 20th century. Born in 1898, she established herself as a versatile artist working across multiple mediums and artistic genres throughout her prolific career.

Based in the bohemian quarter of Montparnasse, the heart of Paris's artistic community, Mondin immersed herself in the city's dynamic cultural landscape. From 1924 to 1960, she was a regular exhibitor at two of France's most prestigious art venues: the Salon des Tuileries and the Salon des Indépendants. These exhibitions provided her with significant exposure and established her reputation within French artistic circles.

Mondin's artistic repertoire encompassed landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, each demonstrating her remarkable emotional intensity and broad stylistic range. A significant aspect of Mondin's artistic legacy includes her collaborative work with her husband, Swiss artist Kurt Oskar Manz. Together, they created remarkable lithographs and engravings that combined their unique artistic perspectives. This partnership enriched her artistic output and demonstrated her mastery of printmaking techniques alongside her painting practice.

Marie Yvonne Mondin's four-decade career, spanning from the 1920s through the 1960s, represents an important contribution to mid-20th century French art. Her works continue to be recognized for their technical skill, emotional depth, and distinctive approach to capturing both intimate domestic moments and broader artistic themes. She passed away in 1967, leaving behind a substantial body of work that reflects the evolution of European art through some of its most transformative decades.

Medium: Oil on canvas.
Condition: Very good condition.
Dimensions: 55 x 46 cm. / 21 3/4 x 18 in.
Frame: 69 x 60 cm. / 27 x 23 1/2 in. Very good condition.
Origin: France.