Tilla Durieux als Circe 1912 - 1913

Franz von Stuck made this portrait of Tilla Durieux as Circe with charcoal and chalk on paper. Look at how he’s built up the image, layer by layer. You can almost see him hovering over it, coaxing the image into being. I wonder, did he begin with the eyes, or was it those ruby red lips? I feel like Stuck has really captured something of her spirit. There’s something knowing in her gaze, an acknowledgment of the power she holds. The reddish-browns of her hair and the background create this feeling of warmth, and her cool jewelry draws your eyes right back up to her face. Stuck was part of the Symbolist movement, and I think this piece speaks to his interest in myths and legends. But it's also just a beautiful portrait of a woman who seemed to know her own mind. He probably learned a thing or two from her. In painting, as in life, we learn from each other, and build upon the ideas of those who came before us.