Karl Schmidt-Rottluff 101 Karl Schmidt-Rottluff

The woodcut presents a fragmented portrait, rendered in stark black and white with pronounced angularity. The subjects face is deconstructed into geometric planes, disrupting conventional notions of representation. A dominant vertical axis bisects the composition, separating what appears to be a profile view on one side from a frontal perspective on the other.
The artist employed a limited range of tonal values, relying heavily on sharp contrasts to define form and create a sense of dramatic intensity. The lines are decisive and often parallel, contributing to the overall feeling of rigidity and emotional restraint. A series of vertical striations appear near the subject’s hair, adding texture and visual complexity.
The eyes, though simplified, convey an unsettling gaze; their shape is irregular, suggesting distress or perhaps a profound internal struggle. The mouth is rendered as a sharp, almost aggressive wedge, further amplifying this sense of unease. A single, prominent tooth is visible, contributing to the distorted and somewhat grotesque characterization.
The composition’s asymmetry and the disjointed nature of the facial features suggest an exploration of psychological states rather than a straightforward depiction of physical appearance. The date 1918 inscribed at the lower left corner places the work within a period marked by significant social upheaval and widespread trauma, which likely informs its somber mood.
The absence of background detail focuses attention entirely on the subject’s face, intensifying the feeling of isolation and introspection. It is possible to interpret this as an expression of alienation or anxiety prevalent in the early twentieth century, a period characterized by rapid industrialization, political instability, and the lingering effects of war. The work seems less concerned with beauty than with conveying raw emotion through formal distortion.