The artwork, titled “Head of a Peasant Woman,” was created by Paula Modersohn-Becker around 1903. Executed on paper and measuring 27 by 24.8 centimeters, this piece belongs to the Expressionism movement and falls within the portrait genre.
The artwork portrays the head and upper shoulders of a peasant woman, rendered with a raw and expressive touch characteristic of Expressionism. Modersohn-Becker’s use of textured brushstrokes and somber hues invokes a sense of simplicity and earnestness, capturing the subject’s weathered face in a candid yet dignified manner. The woman’s face is framed by dark lines, and her downcast eyes and subtle expression of pensiveness convey a deep sense of introspection. The overall composition is intimate, focusing closely on the woman’s visage, which is illuminated against a dark and subdued background. This piece exemplifies Modersohn-Becker’s skill in depicting the solemn beauty and humanity of her subjects.
