Portrait of Frau K. (Frau Krupsig) 1929

Editor: So, here we have Werner Peiner’s “Portrait of Frau K.,” painted in 1929, using oil. It strikes me as incredibly formal, and the dark, luxurious materials create a sense of restrained wealth. What do you see when you look at this portrait? Curator: Well, consider the obvious materiality here: the fur stole, the velvet drape, the gold necklace, even the jewel on her finger. Each speaks to a level of consumption and access that defines her social standing. How does Peiner utilize the texture and sheen of oil paint to elevate these materials, thereby constructing this image of 'Frau K?'? Editor: That's interesting. So you’re suggesting the painting isn’t just about Frau K, but about…what her possessions represent in society? Curator: Precisely. The means of representing wealth through the skillful manipulation of paint and canvas becomes a key focus. The very labor and expense invested in this portrait become part of its meaning. Editor: I see… So the act of painting luxury itself becomes a commentary. Were portraits like this common at the time? Curator: Definitely, portraiture was still the domain of the upper class, particularly in Germany during the Weimar Republic. But considering Peiner's later affiliation with the Nazi regime, it makes you think: Was this opulent display intended to reinforce specific social hierarchies, or could it also reflect an anxiety about the rapid social changes in the interwar period? Editor: Wow, I hadn't thought about that! The materials aren’t just materials; they are social and political statements. Curator: Exactly. Considering the resources poured into making the artwork can provide rich insight into its creation and interpretation. Editor: Thank you, this helped me consider beyond the surface, recognizing it as a product of its time!