Artwork
Half-Nude Woman Holding Her Hair Apart
Half-Nude Woman Holding Her Hair Apart is a charcoal drawing by the Impressionist artist Paula Modersohn-Becker. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Half-Nude Woman Holding Her Hair Apart, created circa 1898, is a charcoal and chalk drawing on wove paper by German Expressionist Paula Modersohn-Becker. Characterized by expressive figuration, it exemplifies her early contributions to Expressionism.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a half-nude woman, eyes closed, holding her hair apart with both hands. The intimate pose and vulnerable expression convey a sense of private introspection, inviting the viewer into a personal moment.
Technique & Style
Rendered in loose, expressive strokes, the woman’s features and body exhibit a spontaneous, sketch-like quality. Soft, muted skin tones contrast with dark, flowing hair, set against a warm, earthy background that enhances the overall sense of warmth and vulnerability.
History & Provenance
Created during Modersohn-Becker’s exploration of raw Expressionist figuration, this work aligns with her series of self-portraits and nudes, marking her as a pioneering female artist in unflinchingly depicting the human form.
Legacy
As an early Expressionist work by a female pioneer, Half-Nude Woman Holding Her Hair Apart contributes to Modersohn-Becker’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist, influencing subsequent generations with her bold, expressive approach to the human figure.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paula Modersohn-Becker (8 February 1876 – 20 November 1907) was a German Expressionist painter and draftswoman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
