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A love of color along with the use of simple form and heavy black line tie Alexej Jawlensky to both the fauves and expressionists. Like the fauves, he uses unexpected shapes and colors to suggest new ways of communicating emotion. In his simplified and stark use of form, Jawlensky reveals an Expressionist use of abstraction.

In Red Blossom Jawlensky's use of large areas of bright color expresses a concern with human feeling rather than a commitment to physical reality. Notice how Jawlensky uses more than one red in the background. It is echoed in the fan, in the flower, and on the woman's cheek. This repetition of color helps to unify the composition and make it dynamic.

Throughout his life Jawlensky strove to paint what he felt. Yet he was always interested in formal and technical values in art. He remained firmly bound to producing images derived from the observed world and anchored himself to his first motif, the human head. Through sensual color and graphic caricature, Jawlensky's portraits communicate raw emotion and sensitivity to the human spirit.

Earle W. Grant donated this painting to the Museum. It was part of a generous gift that included numerous American, European, and Asian artworks and additional funds that helped to purchase new acquisitions.

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