#21321 Lovis Corinth (1858-1925)

The painting presents a half-length portrait of a woman seated in what appears to be a relaxed posture. She is positioned centrally within the frame, her gaze directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes immediate engagement. The background is rendered in muted earth tones, creating a shallow depth and focusing attention squarely on the subject.
The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout the composition. This technique lends an immediacy to the work, suggesting a rapid execution and capturing a fleeting moment of observation. The application of paint is visible; strokes are layered and blended, contributing to a sense of vibrancy and movement within the figure’s form.
Here we see the woman with dark, wavy hair that cascades around her shoulders and face. Her skin tone appears pale, contrasted by the rosy hue of the garment she wears – a jacket or blouse in shades of pink and peach. The fabric is rendered with energetic brushwork, suggesting texture and volume. A hand rests lightly on her head, further emphasizing a casual, unposed demeanor.
The woman’s expression is complex. While a smile plays upon her lips, theres an underlying ambiguity to her gaze. It isn’t entirely joyful; rather, it conveys a sense of self-awareness, perhaps even a touch of irony or amusement. This nuanced emotional register invites speculation about the subject’s inner life and the circumstances surrounding the portrait’s creation.
The overall effect is one of intimate observation. The artist seems less interested in meticulous detail than in capturing the essence of his sitter – her personality, her mood, her presence. The painting suggests a relationship between model and artist that transcends mere representation; it hints at an understanding, a shared moment of recognition. The lack of elaborate setting or symbolic elements reinforces this sense of immediacy and personal connection.