Study for Portrait of Clara Rilke-Westhoff 1905

Paula Modersohn-Becker sketched this study for a portrait of Clara Rilke-Westhoff in the early 1900s, using pencil on paper. During a time when women were often confined to traditional roles, Modersohn-Becker challenged societal norms through her art and lifestyle. The sketch captures Clara's likeness, but it also hints at the complex relationship between the two artists. Both women were part of the artistic circles in Worpswede, Germany, but Modersohn-Becker's intense focus on self-expression and her exploration of female identity set her apart. The intimacy of the sketch might be rooted in Modersohn-Becker’s radical self-portraits, where she fearlessly depicted herself nude, challenging conventional representations of women in art. Modersohn-Becker once said, "I know that I shall not live very long. But is that sad? Is a festival more beautiful because it lasts longer?" Her words resonate with the urgency and passion that she brought to her work. This study encapsulates a moment in time, reflecting both personal connection and the broader struggle for female artists to find their voice.