The artwork titled “The Pagans,” created by Oskar Kokoschka in 1915, is a notable contribution to the Expressionism movement. This nude painting (nu) showcases Kokoschka’s distinctive approach to capturing human form and emotion through dynamic brushstrokes and vivid colors.
Rendered with a raw and evocative style, the artwork features a composition of intertwined figures. The figures are depicted with an intensity that is characteristic of Expressionism, emphasizing emotional experience over physical form. The background, painted with deep greens and purples, complements the palette of the figures, creating a sense of depth and movement. The use of bold and thick brushstrokes adds texture and conveys a sense of energy and turmoil, reflecting the tumultuous period during which it was created. The figures’ expressions and postures suggest a moment of intimate yet intense interaction, embodying the spirit of the Expressionist movement’s focus on conveying deep psychological states.