From the Sotheby’s catalogue note:: “Similar to Cezanne’s self-portrait which is deliberately composed to leave little room for the negative space in the backdrop, the artist’s countenance dominates the picture plane. The hyperbolic scale of the face renders the image intriguing and intense; the experience of viewing the work mimics that of intently looking in a mirror or drawing very intimate contact with another individual. The prim Chinese collar concealing her neck and her neatly pinned, elegantly arranged hair place further focus on her memorable visage, adding to her mystique… Given the youthful glow resonating from Chen’s appearance, this work was conceivably executed in the early 1930s, while the artist was residing in France and experimenting with portraiture. Bearing a reserved expression on her slightly tilted face, Chen is imbued with a sense of feminine vulnerability. Yet, her intense eyes tellingly penetrate the viewer’s consciousness in an arresting and artful symphony. She is mindful of one’s presence, but remains deliberately aloof and silent. The observer is urged to empathize with her timidity, but simultaneously feels confronted by her knowing scrutiny. Painted by a woman prevalent within the context of the male-dominated art circles of 20th century Asia, the self-portrait skillfully captures the contradictory elements of Chen’s character: she is sensitive yet detached, sincere yet private, shy yet determined.”