|
Similarly to the Eights, Kmetty was convinced in the early 20th c. that French art - Cézanne and Braque - set Hungarian art the example to be followed. Neither him, nor his contemporaries got as far as breaking view and naturalistic forms into geometric elements, they only emphasized structure and mass, and integrated cubism and naturalism. This synthesis produced in Kmetty's case such great works as "Town Park" (around 1911) and "Woman with Cup" (1916).
Portraits are independent subject matters in various periods of his oevre. An early one is "Self-Portrait with Palette". The figure of the painter appears against a dark, grey-black background. The artist in a blue coat is holding the tools of his job, a palette and brushes. The severe look of the eyes, the strong chin, the sharp nose and the wrinkle from the nose belong to a man who never compromises.
|
