La belle noiseuse

After exploring architecture and design Constant returned to painting in the mid 1960s. Increased use of bright colour and a softening of contours distinguish his later work, particularly that from the 1990s. In addition his images were largely figurative. Constant looked to old masters and well-known painters at this time as well. Cézanne was especially important to the artist and, above all, his method of constructing a canvas from planes and patches of colour. The title of this work most likely references the short story “The Unknown Masterpiece” by the French nineteenth century writer Honoré de Balzac. The plot revolves around a painter struggling to complete his masterpiece entitled The Beautiful Troublemaker. It portrays an artist’s fervent search for a model as well as the relationship between artist and muse. Constant was known to cite distinguished writers as well as artists in his work.