The artwork, titled “Self Portrait with Red Flower Wreath and Chain,” was created by Paula Modersohn-Becker during the years 1906 to 1907. This particular piece is an example of the Expressionism art movement and falls within the genre of self-portraiture.
The artwork depicts a close-up of the artist herself, Paula Modersohn-Becker, adorned with a distinctly vivid red flower wreath placed atop her head and a prominent chain encircling her neck. Her visage is painted with minimalistic, yet expressive brush strokes, which emphasize the simplistic yet bold style characteristic of Expressionism. The background is a muted green, allowing the focus to remain on the figure’s striking features. The artist’s use of color and texture highlights the emotive and introspective qualities of this self-portrait. The gaze of the subject is direct, inviting viewers to engage with the profound and personal nature of the work.