This vertical composition depicts a half-length figure in an undefined, enclosed interior. The palette consists of grey and white tones. The light source comes from above and to the right. The contours are blurred, somewhat misty and soft.

The figure stands facing the viewer and is positioned on the right side of the image, with the right shoulder extending toward the centre. The head is gently tilted to the right. The person wears a white cap that fully covers the hair. The face is oval, with a pale complexion. The eyebrows are thin and straight, and the nose is slender. The most striking feature is the large, light-coloured eyes, which gaze forward—toward something beyond the viewer. The expression appears absent. The lips are narrow and closed. The figure wears a white garment. Due to the blurred outlines, the clothing merges into a single light mass. A decorative collar tied at the neck is discernible. The garment likely includes a cape covering the shoulders.

The background consists of a smooth grey wall. On the right side, a corner of the room is visible. In the upper part, there is a windowsill or shelf with three lit candles placed side by side.

In the lower left corner is the artist’s signature and the year of the work: “M. Jakimowicz 1907,” written in black ink.

The drawing exemplifies one of Jakimowicz’s recurring themes: an isolated figure who seems detached from the external world, immersed in internal experience. The artist, suffering from illness, used this motif to express his own emotional state and a premonition of impending death.

Source: Text by Irena Buchenfeld on the work Premonition / Sick Portrait
Audiodescription: Emilia Szymańska
Consultation: Adrian Wyka
Expert Content Consultation: Irena Buchenfeld