Melancholie II 

Karl Wiener created "Melancholie II," a line drawing, at an unknown date. Wiener lived through a tumultuous period in European history. His work gives form to the anxieties and complexities of the interwar years. The figure's closed eyes and downcast expression convey a deep sense of sorrow or introspection. The visible breasts challenge conventional representations of women, moving away from idealized forms to present a more raw and vulnerable depiction of the female body. The geometric shapes evoke the fractured nature of identity and experience, reflecting the fragmented and destabilized society. The stern facial features can be interpreted as a comment on the burdens and expectations placed on women. The artwork invites us to contemplate the emotional toll of historical events and the challenges faced by individuals navigating a rapidly changing world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human capacity for resilience and the search for meaning in times of uncertainty.