Half-length portrait of Lee Hoetger with flower 1906

Paula Modersohn-Becker’s 1906 painting, "Half-length portrait of Lee Hoetger with flower," is a striking example of her expressive style. The portrait depicts the artist’s friend, Lee Hoetger, in a close-up view, emphasizing her intense gaze and simplified forms. Modersohn-Becker's bold use of color and her simplified forms reflect her interest in the artistic movements of her time, like Expressionism and Symbolism. Hoetger’s hand delicately holds a purple flower, perhaps a symbol of beauty or fragility. This intimate portrait captures a moment of quiet reflection and provides a glimpse into Modersohn-Becker's unique artistic vision.