Karl Schmidt-Rottluff 107 Karl Schmidt-Rottluff

The woodcut presents a stark portrait rendered in high contrast black and white. Here we observe a figure, presumably male, occupying nearly the entire frame. The composition is dominated by angular forms and sharp lines, contributing to a sense of fragmentation and emotional intensity.
The face is constructed from geometric planes; the eyes are large and almond-shaped, conveying an impression of profound introspection or perhaps suffering. A prominent vertical line bisects the face, further emphasizing its fractured nature. The nose is reduced to a series of intersecting angles, while the mouth is suggested by a subtle indentation.
To the left of the figure’s head, a complex arrangement of curved and angular shapes creates an ambiguous form – it could be interpreted as a shoulder, a draped cloth, or even a symbolic representation of inner turmoil. The artist employed dense cross-hatching to build up areas of shadow, adding depth and texture to these forms. This technique also contributes to the overall feeling of unease and tension.
The figure’s hair is depicted with thick, vertical strokes that frame the face and extend upwards, creating a halo-like effect. However, this visual cue does not suggest sanctity; instead, it seems to amplify the sense of isolation and melancholy emanating from the subject.
The limited palette and simplified forms point towards an Expressionist aesthetic, prioritizing emotional impact over realistic representation. The work suggests themes of psychological distress, introspection, and perhaps a confrontation with existential anxieties. The deliberate distortion of features and the use of stark contrasts imply a desire to convey not merely likeness but also the inner state of the individual portrayed.