The artwork titled “Two People,” created by Erich Heckel in 1910, is a poignant representation of the Expressionism movement and falls within the portrait genre. As a quintessential Expressionist piece, it vividly embodies the emotional intensity and bold stylistic elements characteristic of the movement.
Rendered in a stark black and white palette, the artwork depicts two faces positioned close together, their features exaggerated and abstracted. One face appears in the foreground, with large, soulful eyes and a somber expression, while the other, partially obscured and set slightly back, displays a more intense demeanor. The use of broad, sweeping lines and stark contrasts in shading adds to the dramatic and emotive quality of the piece. The composition, defined by its angular forms and raw, unfiltered portrayal of emotion, captures the essence of the human condition as perceived through the lens of Expressionism.
