Untitled 

Curator: We are looking at an Untitled drawing by Hanna Hirsch-Pauli, a self-portrait executed in pencil on paper, characteristic of her Impressionist style. Editor: It’s amazing how she captured such depth with simple pencils! Her expression is rather melancholic, there is some weariness in her eyes, don't you think? And I love the dreamy color palette... Curator: Absolutely. And we must consider the societal position of women artists during that period. A self-portrait becomes an assertion of agency, a deliberate act of self-definition in a world that often seeks to define them. Hirsch-Pauli’s choice of the drawing medium adds another layer, potentially signaling a more intimate, personal reflection compared to the grandiosity often associated with painting. Editor: A whisper instead of a shout, yeah, I feel that. And even though her gaze is fixed directly at the viewer, there's an insularity. Like she's observing herself at the same time that we’re observing her. It reminds me of when you catch yourself in a mirror and are forced to consider all your imperfections. Curator: Precisely. Moreover, think of Impressionism, the interest in fleeting moments and subjective impressions. Hirsch-Pauli’s technique embraces the transience, which could symbolize the precarious nature of female identity within patriarchal structures, where women were often valued for their fleeting beauty or perceived roles. Editor: She really evokes a sense of passing time! Thinking about art history makes me wonder what story she was trying to convey. Maybe it’s about aging and being an aging woman as an artist. Maybe it is a statement of presence! Curator: Yes, there is an intentional defiance, too. Self-portraits provided women artists an arena where they controlled their own image, undermining stereotypes by dictating their representation and making commentary about art, life, and the limitations that they were faced with in society. Editor: It also feels so fresh and modern. What an empowering statement on her part, even today. I might try to paint something similar soon, just from her inspiring work! Curator: Hanna Hirsch-Pauli offers us not just a visual likeness but an insightful glimpse into the negotiations of identity, gender, and artistic expression through "Untitled." It leaves me to think about self-expression in the past and what is still yet to come in modern works of art. Editor: Agreed! The magic lies in its emotional vulnerability. I am glad this piece gives strength to a future generation of young artists.