Reading (Beim Lesen) 1924

Karl Hofer created this etching, Reading, using delicate lines to capture a moment of quiet introspection. The composition, dominated by the figure absorbed in her book, is rendered with a subtle tonal range, creating a sense of depth and intimacy. The etching technique itself—the fine, deliberate lines—speaks to a formal precision, yet the overall effect is far from rigid. The soft shadows and the gentle curve of the subject's form suggest a certain vulnerability. The woman’s closed eyes may encourage us to consider her internal world, to question the nature of representation and the limitations of our own perception. The visual elements—the lines, the composition—function as signs, inviting interpretation and challenging fixed meanings. Ultimately, the beauty of this work lies in its formal simplicity and its evocative power, which extends beyond the immediate image to engage broader philosophical questions about existence, awareness, and the self.