The artwork, “Two Girls in Front of Birch Trees” by Paula Modersohn-Becker, dates back to approximately 1905. This oil on cardboard painting, measuring 55.2 by 35.2 cm, falls under the Expressionism art movement and is categorized in the portrait genre. It is housed in the Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
The artwork features two young girls standing before a background of birch trees. The figures are depicted with a striking use of color and a simplified form, characteristics indicative of the Expressionist movement. The girls have distinctively large, expressive eyes and their faces show a soft, yet contemplative demeanor. The vibrant yet earthy tones used in their clothing and the birch trees’ vertical lines create a harmonious yet contrasting composition. The background, although simple with stylized trees, enhances the focus on the girls, emphasizing their presence and emotional depth within the painting.
