Artwork

The Young Bride (Sonia Gramatté) [Bräutliches Mädchen (Sonia Gramatté)]

Walter Gramatté , 1923

The Young Bride (Sonia Gramatté) [Bräutliches Mädchen (Sonia Gramatté)] is an ink print by Walter Gramatté. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Young Bride (Sonia Gramatté) is a 1923 color lithograph by Walter Gramatté, a German expressionist painter. Created in black, blue, red, and yellow, it is a portrait of the artist's wife, Sonia.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in profile, wearing a dark hat and coat, holding flowers. The title suggests she is a bride, but the mood is mysterious rather than joyful. The image reflects Gramatté's practice of blending reality with the uncanny.

Technique & Style

Gramatté used bold colors and rough lines to create a dynamic effect. The black background is punctuated by slashes of yellow and blue, giving a sense of movement. The lithograph showcases the artist's expressive use of color and line.

Context

Gramatté's work often explored themes of fragility and transcendence, influenced by his wartime experiences and health struggles. This portrait is one of several he made of his wife, Sonia.