Abstract self portrait of the artist sitting in a chair. Figure is wearing a skirt with an orange shirt and blue beaded necklace. Object framed at gifting.

Having always practiced an economy of means, incorporating restraint and striving towards an image that represents a “single gesture”, this early self-portrait is the final canvas that evolved through a number of studies, initially mere small pencil sketches on scraps of paper. As a key painting of this period and pivotal to her preoccupation, Gilot presents the central image against the optimistic light of an open window thus allowing breathing space for the surface tensions created by the juxtaposition of colors and the repetitions of forms. - “Francoise Gilot: Monograph 1940-2000”. Forward by Dina Vierny. Texts by artist. Biography and analysis pf works by Mel Yoakum, Ph.D. Published by Acatos Publisher. 2000. Page 117.