'Portrait of a Young Woman' by Anna Costa (circa 1960s)

'Portrait of a Young Woman', oil on board, by Anna Costa (circa 1960s). This is a beautifully expressive portrait painted by the artist using vibrant colours and impasto technique. There is something in the gaze of the figure which conveys a level of comfort in her eyes and serenity in her expression as she sits for the artist. This is delightfully captured and adds a depth to the painting beyond the aesthetic. It might be that artist and sitter are related or very close friends.  

The colours in Costa's artworks are famous for their richness and vibrancy, and the quality of light in the region plays a big part in this. In Provence where she lived, the sunlight brings out the full spectrum of colours, making everything from the lavender fields to the red roofs of the villages seem to glow. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. It is in good overall condition and remains in its original frame, chosen by the artist. The frame is beautiful notwithstanding the nicks, cracks, scratches, faded colour and characterful crud. I wouldn't change it at all. Upon request a video can be provided. The stamp of the artist's atelier appears on the back side of the work. This artwork represents exceptional value given the calibre of the painting. 

About the artist: Anna Costa (approx: 1922-2022) painted in her Provençal village in the Cavaillon area from the 1940s until the 1970s. Upon her passing, her estate released her art into the market where dealers around the world are clambering for her works. Costa's art is characterised by its bright colours and strong naive style which make them instantly recognisable. This style is called Provençal Colourism. It is a regional art movement that emerged in the South of France in the early 20th century. It is also characterised by bright and bold colours, as well as strong contrasts between light and shadow. The movement drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the region including its landscapes, people and traditions. The vintage or antique frames were selected by the artist for the works they frame, so even though some may appear to need restoration, they form an integral part of the work itself and we have retained them on some of her works including this one. This painting is marked on the backside with the stamp of the artist's atelier as is the case with almost all of her works.

Dimensions With Frame: 

H 48 cm / 18.9"

W 41 cm / 16.1"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 33 cm / 13"

W 26 cm / 10.2"