The Composer Bernd Bosseljon 1923

Conrad Felixmüller made this portrait of the composer Bernd Bosseljon using lithography. See how Felixmüller captures Bosseljon amidst the tools of his craft—musical scores and a keyboard—elements that frame the subject's face and hands. The hands here are particularly expressive; one raised in what could be a conductor’s gesture, or perhaps a moment of contemplation. We see echoes of this hand gesture through the ages, a silent yet powerful communicator of thought and command. Think of Saint John the Baptist in Leonardo’s painting, or even further back, the raised hands in ancient oratory. These gestures transcend mere direction; they embody the force of creativity, the power of influence, and the struggle of expression. Observe how Felixmüller uses sharp, angular lines to create a sense of tension and emotional intensity. This technique engages us on a subconscious level, stirring something deep within our collective memory. The anguished expression, amplified by the hands, reminds us that creativity is not without its torments. Symbols like these never truly vanish; they transform, reappear, and resonate, connecting us to the artists and thinkers of both today and yesterday.