“Harold and Nina Krieger,” created in 1967 by artist Alice Neel, is an exemplar of Expressionist portraiture. This nuanced artwork vividly captures the essence of the subjects, embodying the distinctive characteristics of the Expressionist movement.
The artwork portrays a seated man and young girl, presumably named Harold and Nina Krieger. The adult figure, dressed in a suit with a lavender tie, exudes a slightly uncomfortable, yet cheerful demeanor. His arm rests affectionately around the girl’s shoulder, who is adorned in a teal sweater and darker blue pants. The girl appears serious, her gaze directed forward, contrasting with the man’s more animated expression. Both figures are seated on a reddish-brown couch, with a simple light background. Neel’s brushstrokes and color choices emphasize emotional depth and personality, hallmarks of her Expressionist style. The overall composition invites viewers into an intimate moment shared between the subjects, rendering their bond through the artist’s perceptive lens.
