Head of a Woman 1910 - 1930

Editor: This is Wilhelm Lehmbruck’s "Head of a Woman," created sometime between 1910 and 1930, made of metal. The figure's eyes are closed, and the whole piece evokes a sense of quiet contemplation. What can you tell me about how we interpret it? Curator: Look at how Lehmbruck renders her closed eyes, an iconic symbol throughout history of inwardness and perhaps a subtle reference to the pre-Christian era where the eyes of the dead where sealed shut with coins to prohibit spirits entering the dead’s vacant eyes. Consider too the cultural shift occurring during this period; what anxieties are present and perhaps reflected here? Editor: That’s a great point. It does seem to capture a certain tension. So you see her closed eyes not just as peaceful, but potentially reflecting the uncertainty of the time? Curator: Precisely. What resonates most with me is her ambiguous expression. Does her serenity belie inner turmoil? How does the smooth texture, contrasted with her downward gaze, reinforce that symbolism? The sleek metal gives her an almost detached quality, doesn’t it? Editor: Yes, it does. It’s almost like a mask, a face turned away from the chaos. Did the metal influence his artistic decision? Curator: The choice of metal is important to consider. Instead of the more tactile warmth of, say, terracotta, Lehmbruck used a material associated with modernity, industry, and perhaps also the coldness of machines. Consider what was occurring on factory lines during this time in contrast to an otherwise natural posture. In some sense, doesn't she stand against tradition in material choice, but respects historical reference? Editor: I hadn’t thought of that contrast before, with the industrial feel of the metal alongside this delicate portrayal of a woman. Thanks, it has completely shifted my perspective! Curator: It is remarkable to discover how contemporary objects of cultural relevance reference the past with new creative, physical forms and ideologies. I have much to reflect on myself.