“Reading Woman,” an artwork by August Macke, belongs to the Expressionist art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture.
The artwork depicts a solitary woman engrossed in the act of reading, rendered with a distinctive Expressionist style. The woman is seated on an elegantly cushioned armchair, surrounded by a warm, subdued palette that highlights her serene focus. The chiaroscuro technique, evident in the contrast of light and shadow, enhances the subject’s contemplative expression and the intimate atmosphere of the scene. Her dark hair and dress provide a stark contrast to the lighter tones of the shawl draped over her shoulders and the yellowish background. The artist’s brushstrokes convey a sense of texture and depth, capturing the quiet, reflective mood of the moment.