die funf sinne gefuhl Hans Makart (1840-1884)

The composition presents a vertical arrangement dominated by the figure of a woman viewed from behind. She is nude, her body rendered with a focus on anatomical detail and a palpable sense of physicality. The skin tones are varied, ranging from pale highlights to deeper shadows that suggest volume and form. A child clings to her shoulders and neck, partially obscuring the nape of her neck and upper back. The child’s face is turned away, preventing direct engagement with their expression.
The womans posture conveys a sense of introspection or melancholy; her head is bowed, suggesting contemplation or perhaps sorrow. Her arms are wrapped around herself, further emphasizing this inward focus. The placement of the figures within the frame creates a strong vertical axis, drawing the eye upwards and contributing to an overall feeling of solemnity.
The background is indistinct, composed of dark greens and browns that evoke foliage or dense vegetation. This obscures any clear spatial context, concentrating attention on the central figures. Light appears to emanate from an unseen source, illuminating the woman’s back and highlighting the contours of her body. The limited palette reinforces the paintings somber mood.
Subtleties within the work suggest a complex narrative. The presence of the child introduces themes of maternal connection, vulnerability, and perhaps even loss or regret. The woman’s posture and averted gaze imply an emotional burden she carries. The obscured background could be interpreted as representing a sense of isolation or confinement.
The paintings elongated format lends itself to a devotional or allegorical reading. It is possible that the work explores themes related to human emotion, spiritual contemplation, or the complexities of familial relationships. The deliberate ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and invites viewers to project their own understanding onto the scene.