Artwork

Girl on a Couch (Mädchen auf dem Kanapee)

Girl on a Couch (Mädchen auf dem Kanapee), by Otto Mueller, ink, 1922
Girl on a Couch (Mädchen auf dem Kanapee), by Otto Mueller, ink, 1922

Girl on a Couch (Mädchen auf dem Kanapee) is an ink print by Otto Mueller. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Girl on a Couch (Mädchen auf dem Kanapee) is a 1922 lithograph by Otto Mueller, a German Expressionist artist associated with Die Brücke.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a reclining female figure, partially covered by a blanket, with her eyes closed and head tilted. Her pose conveys relaxation and intimacy, inviting the viewer to contemplate her tranquil state.

Technique & Style

Mueller's lithograph showcases his expressive use of line and color, characteristic of German Expressionism. The bold lines and dark tones create a dramatic, emotive effect, while the technique allows for detailed texture.

Context

As a member of Die Brücke, Mueller contributed to the early 20th-century German Expressionist movement, known for its emphasis on emotional intensity and stylized forms.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Otto Mueller

Artist

Otto Mueller

Otto Mueller (16 October 1874 – 24 September 1930) was a German painter and printmaker of the Die Brücke expressionist movement.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.