Bildnis der Schwester des Künstlers, Marie Stauffer 1885

This is a portrait of Marie Stauffer, the artist’s sister, by Karl Stauffer-Bern, made with graphite on paper. Look closely at the interplay of light and shadow, which gives Marie's face a soft, almost dreamlike quality. The composition centres on her face, framed by looser strokes that create a sense of depth and volume. The unfinished quality, particularly the visible sketch lines, invites us to consider the process of its making. We're given access to the artist's initial thoughts and adjustments. Stauffer-Bern captures not just a likeness, but a psychological insight. The gaze is direct and engaging. The subtle gradations of tone suggest a complex inner life. Consider how Stauffer-Bern uses the simplicity of graphite to convey such depth. The portrait invites continuous contemplation. The visible process of creation and the subject's direct gaze ensures that the drawing remains an open field for interpretation.