Johanna 1920

Conrad Felixmüller made this drypoint etching called Johanna. It's not dated, but he lived from 1897 to 1977. Look at the angularity of the lines, they almost vibrate on the page. You can feel the artist’s hand at work, etching each line with precision. The stark contrast of dark lines against the pale background creates a striking image. The lines on the clothing swirl around the sitter, while the lines on the face capture Johanna’s gaze, confronting and maybe a little sad. See how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone and volume. The hands are particularly well observed, a network of lines that give them a fragile quality. It's expressive and raw, like a woodcut but more refined. Felixmüller’s graphic style reminds me a little of Käthe Kollwitz and other German Expressionists, but he has his own voice. It is a powerful piece.