The artwork, titled “Sad Female Head” by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, was created between 1928 and 1929. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece falls under the Cubism art movement and measures 41 by 33 cm. It is a portrait genre painting and currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts the abstract representation of a female head rendered in bold, geometric shapes and a striking palette. Predominantly featuring shades of pink, blue, and purple, the composition follows the typical Cubist style, fragmenting the subject into overlapping planes and simplified forms. The female figure appears sorrowful, suggested by the downturn of her lips and the positioning of her hand against her cheek, evoking a sense of melancholy. The background consists of repeated geometric patterns that enhance the central figure and contribute to the overall sense of emotional depth. The use of angular lines and juxtaposed colors further emphasizes the expressive quality of Kirchner’s work, presenting a powerful visual representation of sadness.
