The artwork, titled “Portrait of Rainer Maria Rilke,” was created by Paula Modersohn-Becker in 1906. It is composed using a combination of oil, paper, and tempera, and belongs to the Expressionism movement. The portrait measures 32.3 x 25.4 cm and falls within the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, a man is depicted with a thoughtful and introspective expression, characterized by his large eyes, dark hair, and distinct mustache and goatee. The background is muted, allowing the subtle yet expressive brushstrokes and the subject’s facial features to stand out. The colors utilized in the artwork predominantly feature earthy tones, which contribute to the intensity and emotional depth often associated with expressionist works. The rendering of the man’s face involves textured layers, a hallmark of Modersohn-Becker’s style, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of her subject through dynamic and vivid representation.
