Porträt Veronika Kirmaier im Schleissheimer Garten 1903

Leo Putz captured Veronika Kirmaier in paint, probably alla prima, in the Schleissheimer Garten. The painting feels like it came together quickly, as if he needed to work fast to catch the light on the water. You know, that particular shimmer, when the reflections of the buildings become as important as the buildings themselves. The woman is off-center. I wonder if this was intentional, or did he run out of time? I like to imagine Putz working on this picture, trying to resolve the composition while being mindful of how the water continues to subtly change. The paint seems applied in a way that tries to capture every little nuance of light and shadow. See how the brushwork around the woman's face is so delicate, as though he really wanted to capture her likeness? I bet he went back and forth on the scarf around her neck, trying to find that perfect balance between form and color. He's not reinventing the wheel here, but still, he's part of the ongoing conversation between artists, each one adding their voice to the mix.