The artwork, titled “Portrait of an Old Woman,” was created by Paula Modersohn-Becker circa 1898. Executed on paper, the piece belongs to the Expressionism art movement. The portrait measures 67.9 x 48.6 cm and falls within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork depicts an elderly woman with a composed and stoic expression. The background is rendered in subdued, neutral tones, allowing the figure of the woman to draw the viewer’s attention. Her attire, a dark, possibly black garment, contrasts starkly with the paler background, highlighting the woman’s face and upper body. The brushstrokes and color palette reflect the distinctive characteristics of the Expressionist movement, emphasizing emotional depth over realism. The simplicity and austerity of the composition add a profound sense of dignity and contemplation to the subject portrayed.
