The artwork titled “Old Woman from the Poorhouse in the Garden” is attributed to the artist Paula Modersohn-Becker, created in the year 1906. Rendered in oil, canvas, and tempera, this artwork epitomizes the Expressionism movement. The dimensions of this portrait are 96 cm by 80.2 cm.
In the artwork, a solemn elderly woman is depicted amidst a vibrant garden. Clad in a rustic, earth-toned outfit and adorned with a hat, she holds what appears to be a stalk of flowers, possibly symbolizing a connection to nature and resilience. The juxtaposition of her somber expression against the lively, almost surreal, floral backdrop creates a poignant contrast, highlighting the themes of aging, solitude, and enduring strength. The rich, expressive brushwork and bold use of colors are characteristic of the Expressionist focus on emotional experience over realistic representation.
