“Portrait Study,” created circa 1918 by Josef Albers, is an evocative expressionist artwork crafted with pencil and ink on paper. This portrait measures 31.75 x 21.91 cm and exemplifies the Expressionism art movement’s focus on conveying emotional experience rather than physical reality.
The artwork features bold, vigorous lines that vividly outline the subject’s face, capturing an intense and introspective expression. The artist’s use of rapid, dynamic strokes brings a sense of immediacy and raw emotion to the piece, while the predominantly monochromatic palette emphasizes the stark contrasts and depth within the portrait. This compelling study reflects Albers’ skill in using minimalist means to explore the complexities of human emotion and character.
