GARDEN OF PARADISE 1910

Heinrich Lefler’s "Garden of Paradise" is rendered in delicate pastel, a medium that lends itself beautifully to this dreamlike scene. Pastels are pure pigment bound with just enough medium to hold them together, resulting in colors that are soft and luminous. Notice how Lefler uses this quality to full effect; the feathery strokes create a sense of ethereal lightness, particularly in the rendering of the figures and the foliage. The application is quite intricate, demanding patience and precision. Lefler likely built up the image layer by layer, carefully blending the colors to achieve the subtle gradations and atmospheric effects we see here. Pastel work allows for a directness of touch, more akin to drawing than painting. This is important, because it reflects Lefler’s background as a graphic artist, designing posters and theatrical sets. He brought that sensibility to bear in this image, creating a garden that is both idyllic and stage-like. It's a beautiful example of how artistic practices can blur, enriching our understanding of art’s place in culture.