The artwork titled “The Power of Music,” created by Oskar Kokoschka between circa 1918 and circa 1920, epitomizes the Expressionist movement and is categorized as an allegorical painting. This painting is housed in the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
The artwork presents a vivid and dynamic portrayal of the powerful effects of music, encapsulated through Kokoschka’s emotive use of color and form. On the left, a figure dressed in green vigorously plays a musical instrument, their expression and posture suggesting a fervent engagement with the music. The central segment is adorned with a prominently depicted flower, possibly symbolizing the flourishing nature of art and creativity. To the right, another figure in vibrant red appears to be reacting intensely to the music, their body contorted in a manner that conveys movement and emotional upheaval. The background is an amalgamation of deep blues and greens, creating a dramatic and somewhat mystical ambiance. The presence of animals and abstract elements further enhances the allegorical essence of the painting, inviting viewers to explore the profound impact of music on both the individual and the natural world.