Who painted Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset)?

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset) was painted by Lovis Corinth in 1895.

Where can I see Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset)?

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset)?

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset)

Lovis Corinth , 1895

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Lovis Corinth. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Mädchen im Korsett (Girl in a Corset) is a hand-colored lithograph on wove paper created by German artist Lovis Corinth in 1895. This print represents a transitional period in Corinth's career, reflecting his early naturalistic style before a later shift towards expressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a young woman seated, wearing a corset, with her eyes closed and head tilted back, holding a fan. Her somber, introspective pose and the dark, shadowy background convey a contemplative mood. The subject's pale face, dark curly hair, and partially exposed corset under a low-necked dark dress add to the overall sense of subdued intimacy.

Technique & Style

Executed as a hand-colored lithograph, the work showcases Corinth's adherence to naturalism at the time. The realistic rendering of the subject, from the texture of the corset to the subtle facial expression, highlights Corinth's skill in capturing detailed realism through this medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1895, Mädchen im Korsett precedes Corinth's presidency of the Berlin Secession (succeeding Max Liebermann) and a significant stylistic change following a stroke in 1911. The work's provenance is not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation within Corinth's pre-expressionist phase.

Context

Contextually, the piece reflects late 19th-century European artistic trends, with Corinth's training in Paris and Munich influencing his naturalistic approach. The subject matter may also touch on contemporary societal views of female representation and intimacy.

Legacy

Mädchen im Korsett serves as a benchmark of Corinth's early naturalistic period. While not marking a stylistic peak of his later expressionist work, it contributes to the broader understanding of his artistic evolution and the transitional phases of early 20th-century European art.