Moïse Kisling, acclaimed as the “King of Montparnasse,” was renowned for his portraiture and distinctive incorporation of intense Orientalist exoticism, setting him
apart within his artistic circle and continuing to influence future generations. His refined and elegant style attracted numerous cultural and artistic elites who eagerly
commissioned portraits from him.
Kisling excelled at capturing the subtle, delicate expressions of women, imbuing his vibrant and bold color palettes with an air of mystery that silently conveyed a rich, emotional depth. A review of Kisling’s catalogue raisonné reveals a clear fondness for the Slavic ideal of “blonde hair and blue eyes” in his portraits—an aesthetic he returned to time and again across hundreds of works. The most highly valued painting in his auction record features just such a woman, holding a tulip. One of Kisling’s signature elements, often used to highlight the subject’s fair complexion, is the “red garment”
motif. This theme, symbolic of the artist’s intense yet restrained affection, appears frequently in portraits of those closest to him. Works with these characteristics are notably represented in major European art collections, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Petit Palais in Geneva. Another rare and precious motif that runs throughout Kisling’s artistic career is the use of garden or botanical backdrops. These works, distinct from commercial commissions, were meticulously rendered with fine brushwork and a contemplative pace. They often feature lush, layered greenery that not only adds depth but also serves to emphasize the unique presence of the central figure. Such pieces, created with greater artistic intention, were quickly acquired by discerning highend collectors and have rarely circulated on the open market.In 2019, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum held a retrospective exhibition titled “Kisling: The Dream of the School of Paris.” The key visual for the exhibition featured a blonde girl holding a bouquet of lilies, standing serenely against a backdrop of richly varied garden flora—a quintessential example of this rare genre in Kisling’s oeuvre. The present lot, Jeune fille assise (Seated young Girl), completed in 1949, stands as a consummate example of Kisling’s mature style—rich in detail, with a masterful interplay of light and shadow that flows with natural rhythm and grace. The layered greenery in the background evokes depth and atmosphere, enhanced by abstract inky tones. A warm, solid red headscarf gently frames the girl’s face, like velvet paired with
golden pearls, accentuating the clever sparkle in her blue eyes. At about two-thirds of the canvas, a delicate white lace collar serves as a tonal bridge between the headscarf’s rosy red and the earthy burgundy of her dress, subtly nuanced with hints of brown. The young girl, in the prime of her youth, sits with quiet elegance. Her form,
draped in plush fabric, is softly sculpted by interwoven shadows, creating a tender, lmost tactile presence. Her smooth, supple hands are folded with palms acing.opposite directions—a gesture symbolizing humility and devotion. While expressing the girl’s inner purity, this luminous detail also brings a gentle, clarifying
balance to the overall dark-toned composition.
Jeune fille assise evokes the stylistic essence of the Renaissance period—an era deeply admired by Kisling and his close friend Amedeo Modigliani. Both artists
often portrayed women with elongated figures, delicate features such as almond-shaped eyes and cherry-like lips, creating a timeless elegance in their work. Beyond
visual beauty, their portraits are imbued with profound emotion and a reflection of artistic ideals
Kisling’s hometown of Kraków, Poland, is home to the Czartoryski Museum (Muzeum Czartoryskich), which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated masterpiece Lady with an Ermine (Dama con l’Ermellino). This connection offers a poetic lens through which to view Jeune fille assise—a painting that may well encapsulate the artist’s nostalgic longing and the vivid memories of a life shaped by a grand historical era. It stands as
a moving tribute to Kisling’s enduring devotion to art, and to the beauty and fragility of youth captured with sincerity and grace