Portrait of a Woman 1922

Erich Heckel made this woodcut, “Portrait of a Woman,” during the early years of the Expressionist movement in Germany. This was a period marked by intense social and political upheaval before the First World War. Heckel, along with other artists of Die Brücke, sought to challenge academic traditions, embracing raw emotion and directness in their art. Heckel’s work, deeply influenced by his personal experiences, often explores themes of alienation and psychological tension. Here, the stark contrasts and angular lines convey a sense of unease. The woman’s gaze is introspective, hinting at the complex inner life that often went unacknowledged in traditional portraiture. Heckel’s decision to depict the female form in such an unconventional manner reflects the Expressionist desire to break from traditional representations. He presents an alternative narrative of female identity, emphasizing interiority and emotional depth. The use of woodcut as a medium further enhances this effect, with its rough texture and bold lines.