“Provocation” lithograph created in 1906 by Ferdinand George Lemmers. Signed and dated with pen below the lower right corner of the print. Size: 59 x 42.5 cm.
The composition is dominated by a Belle Époque lady draped in an elegant, long skirt, exuding an unmistakable sense of self-assurance; her posture radiates determination. She puckers her lips for a cigarette, holding it with sophistication between her fingers.
Behind her unfolds a café scene. A gentleman at a table observes her with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. His facial expression reveals intrigue sparked by the lady’s confident demeanor. The surroundings are steeped in mystery, and the artist employs sharp contrast and suggestive elements to enhance the atmosphere, such as her hand on her hip and legs apart.
The lady appears aware of the attention she commands; she deliberately averts her provocative gaze from the spectator, prompting questions about the relationship between the characters and the meaning behind the provocation. It’s as if the artist has captured a moment of tension and intrigue, where the lady consciously plays with the viewer’s expectations and curiosity.
“Provocation” weaves a tale of self-awareness, charm, and the art of seduction, with artist George Lemmers inviting the viewer to explore the context of the scene.
Price: SOLD
