Aisha of the Kasba

Edward Wolfe 1897 - 1982

Summary

Frontal head and shoulders portrait of 'Aisha of the Kasba', a young black woman wearing a headscarf and pale dress. The subject's head rests against her right arm as she looks off to the right. A large bouquet of vivid flowers is visible in the background against a brightly coloured blue and green wall.

Display Label

Aisha of the Kasba about 1928-31 Edward Wolfe 1897-1982 Oil on canvas The hot, sensual colours of this painting are typical of Wolfe’s work. He was passionately fond of the work of French painters Henri Matisse and Amedeo Modigliani, and these influences are evident in all his work. Wolfe shared his early enthusiasm for Matisse with his friend Roger Fry, who is now well-known for introducing Post-Impressionist painting to the British public in 1910. South-African born Wolfe thrived in hot weather. He had delicate health, and although based in England, he spent long periods painting in Europe, Mexico and North and South Africa. This painting was probably painted in Tangier: we do not know who Aisha is. Contemporary Art Society Gift 1931.33