The artwork titled “Portrait of Clara Rilke-Westhoff” was created by Paula Modersohn-Becker around the year 1902. Executed using coal on paper, it is a part of the Expressionism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 26 x 32 cm, and it falls under the genre of sketch and study.
In this piece, the viewer’s attention is drawn to a profile sketch of a woman, identified as Clara Rilke-Westhoff, by the inscription at the top. The lines are rendered with a certain rawness and spontaneity characteristic of initial studies and sketches. The intricate detailing in the hair and facial features, juxtaposed with the more abstract and rough framing lines, evoke a sense of immediacy and intimacy. The use of coal as a medium lends the work a soft yet pronounced texture, allowing the artist to play with shadows and depth. The artwork captures the essence of the subject through a minimalist yet evocative approach, fundamentally embodying the tenets of Expressionism through its emotive and unrefined technique.
