The nose of a sommelier

This striking work, measuring 60 by 60 centimeters, presents a minimalist yet boldly expressive portrayal of a sommelier’s side profile. Dominated by a saturated red background, the composition places the viewer’s focus squarely on the subject’s large, prominent nose, rendered in a warm, pale yellow that contrasts powerfully with the surrounding crimson. The painting’s rectangular format further accentuates the vertical alignment of the face, as the eye is drawn from the top of the head down toward the tip of the nose, and ultimately to the slightly parted lips that hint at a taste or a whispered observation.

A key aspect of this piece is its deliberate simplicity. The features of the sommelier’s face are reduced to a few essential lines, rendered in a decisive, black outline. This stark framing of the pale yellow shape of the nose and cheek grants the figure a bold graphic presence. The minimalism evokes a sense of confident reduction, as though the artist has distilled the notion of a “sommelier” to its most iconic element: the nose, central to the connoisseur’s expertise in detecting aromas and subtleties in wine. By eliminating extraneous details and background distractions, the painting magnifies this focus, to appreciate the subtle interplay between color, line, and form.

The face itself,occupies the right side of the canvas, leaving a vast expanse of uninterrupted red on the left. This compositional choice creates a sense of tension, as if the figure is leaning in from outside the frame to better inspect something beyond our view. The negative space, saturated in red, vibrates against the lighter complexion of the nose, amplifying the intimate immediacy of the moment. The viewer can almost imagine the sommelier’s refined sense of smell on the verge of detecting a nuanced bouquet—perhaps ripe berries, earthy minerals, or a hint of oak—and offering their expert opinion.

Subtle tonal shifts in the pale yellow paint suggest gentle shading across the cheek, nose, and chin. Faint washes of golden ochre can be detected, adding a delicate depth that prevents the subject from appearing flat. These gradations of color, while understated, provide a suggestion of volume and warmth, reflecting the liveliness of human skin. Likewise, the outline of the nose curves gracefully forward, culminating in a lightly rounded tip that maintains a sense of softness and approachability, in contrast to any stereotypical depiction of a sharp or exaggerated caricature.

The eyes, set just above the slope of the nose, are indicated only by a single angular line—perhaps an eyebrow or a partially closed lid. This spareness reinforces the painting’s central theme: sight is secondary to smell, particularly in the world of wine tasting. By minimizing the detail of the eye and maximizing the prominence of the nose, the artist cleverly underscores the quintessential trait that defines a sommelier’s profession. We are left to imagine the expression beneath that simple line: a moment of thoughtful concentration, perhaps a satisfied squint as the subject detects an elusive fragrance.

Meanwhile, the lips are rendered in a single curved stroke, gently parted to suggest the act of sipping or inhaling. Their position close to the nose visually unites the two primary senses involved in tasting wine, serving as a quiet reminder that smell and taste operate in tandem. The crisp black lines around the lips and chin echo those framing the nose, visually binding the lower half of the face and giving a sense of unity and intentional design to the piece.

In its totality, the painting offers a clever commentary on the art of wine appreciation. By zeroing in on the most crucial feature of a sommelier’s craft, the nose, it elevates what is often overlooked in everyday life to a place of honor and fascination. The lavish red backdrop not only symbolizes the rich hue of fine wine, but it also establishes a vivid emotional resonance—energy, passion, and intensity—complementing the refined simplicity of the figure itself. Through a masterful interplay of color, line, and negative space, the painting simultaneously celebrates the sensory pleasures of wine and invites viewers to contemplate the importance of smell in our own experiences.