Etty, 2021

Frédérique Samama  

The work “Etty" pays tribute to Etty Hillesum, a young Jewish girl who left a poignant testimony of her experience during the Holocaust through her diaries. This powerful and expressive portrait is distinguished by the bold use of yellow tones, reminiscent of the color of the Star of David that Jews were forced to wear during this dark period in history.

Etty's face takes up most of the composition, immediately grabbing the viewer's attention. The intense gaze of the central figure is particularly captivating. The large dark eyes, full of depth and emotion, seem to follow the viewer, establishing a direct and almost hypnotic connection. The facial expression, reinforced by a slight tilt of the head resting against the hand, suggests deep reflection, silent meditation.

The textures of the canvas are rich and varied. Shades of yellow, available in a range of tones from lightest to darkest, add complexity to the composition, while unifying the whole in a subtle chromatic harmony. The well-defined yet delicate facial features contrast with the textured background, highlighting the figure without completely detaching it from the background.

The hand, placed gently on the face, adds a tactile and human dimension to the work. This posture, both familiar and intimate, invites the viewer to share a moment of pause and reflection with the subject.

“Etty" is a work which is striking in its apparent simplicity but reveals, through its mastered execution and its choice of colors, an emotional depth and a narrative richness. Frédérique Samama manages to capture not only the outward appearance of her subject, but also an inner feeling of calm and introspection. This painting is an invitation to contemplation, a mirror of human emotions in all their complexity and beauty, while recalling a tragic period in history.