Listening 1920 - 1921

"Listening" is a woodcut by German Expressionist artist Walter Gramatté, created between 1920 and 1921. The print depicts a woman with her head turned slightly to the side, her hands clasped together in her lap, and her eyes closed. The background is filled with dark, abstract shapes that suggest a sense of both mystery and anxiety. The work’s bold lines, stark contrasts, and expressive forms are characteristic of German Expressionism, a movement that sought to convey raw emotion and psychological intensity through art. The title “Listening” suggests the woman is deeply absorbed in thought or perhaps listening to an inner voice, adding a layer of introspection to the work.