13. Bulgarian girl [1980s]

Dechko Uzunov is one of the foundational figures in Bulgarian art of the 20th century. Throughout his long life, he created art under various political systems and stylistic directions for a period of six decades. He was a professor of painting and served multiple times as the rector of the National Academy of Art. In the 1960s and 1970s, he returned to a decorative style, but with a more monumental approach. In the series featuring young women, brides, Bulgarian women, and 'alafrangi' (a characteristic Renaissance genre depicting flower bouquets 'in the French style') – the artist creates typified images without specific individual traits. Through the theme of national tradition and the language of icons, he reaches a synthetic modern painting for his time. The painting 'Bulgarian Girl' is a composite image of the Bulgarian woman in his later works – gentle, virtuous, and strong. The image of a Bulgarian maiden in folk attire is placed centrally across the entire canvas. It is depicted in the characteristic style of the artist – restrained, radiating spiritual purity and dignity. The image has a monumental impact, despite its gentle appearance. This is part of Dechko Uzunov's mastery – to create impressive images with economical means. The composition 'Bulgarian Girl' is emblematic of Uzunov's late work in terms of its theme, color, and plastic construction. (S.N.)

References

Fileva, A., Genova, I. Dechko Uzunov. Memory and Oblivion. Collection. S., 2003. Fileva, A. Dechko Uzunov. Sofia Art Gallery, S. 2024"

Dimensions

width 60 cm, height 80 cm, custom 80 × 60 cm

Description

oil on canvas, signed bottom right, in brown, "ДУз"

Dating

1980s

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