die funf sinne gesicht Hans Makart (1840-1884)

The composition presents a female figure in a vertical format, dominating the canvas with her presence. She stands nude within a densely overgrown landscape, positioned slightly off-center and angled towards the viewer. Her gaze is direct, almost confrontational, contributing to an unsettling intimacy. The lighting emphasizes her body, highlighting the contours of flesh and hair while plunging much of the surrounding foliage into deep shadow.
The woman’s physical attributes are rendered with a meticulous attention to detail; individual strands of golden hair cascade down her shoulders and back, contrasting sharply with the darker tones of her skin. Her expression is complex – a mixture of vulnerability and defiance. She holds a mirror in her left hand, reflecting an image that appears distorted or incomplete. This gesture introduces a layer of self-reflection and potential vanity, questioning the nature of perception and representation.
The surrounding environment contributes significantly to the painting’s overall meaning. The dense vegetation suggests a wild, untamed space, possibly symbolizing the natural world or even a psychological wilderness. Scattered amongst the foliage are various objects: a lion skin draped over her lower body, a bird perched on a branch nearby, and what appears to be an ornate container at her feet. These elements function as symbolic markers, potentially alluding to themes of power, sensuality, and perhaps even mortality. The lion skin, in particular, evokes associations with strength and dominance, while the bird might represent freedom or spiritual aspiration.
The limited color palette – dominated by earthy tones punctuated by flashes of gold and pale flesh – reinforces the painting’s somber mood. The vertical format further intensifies the figures imposing presence, creating a sense of confinement within the frame.
Subtly, the work seems to explore the complexities of human identity, the relationship between self and representation, and the interplay between nature and civilization. It is not merely a depiction of female beauty but rather an exploration of the psychological and symbolic weight associated with it. The mirror serves as a crucial device, prompting contemplation on how we perceive ourselves and are perceived by others.