Nativity 1925

Adolf Hölzel rendered this boldly colorful “Nativity” with crayon on paper in the early 20th century. The composition is structured by a network of angular shapes, each filled with vibrant hues. The artist eschews traditional representation, opting instead for a mosaic-like arrangement of colors. Notice how Hölzel uses color to define form, yet simultaneously flatten the picture plane, pushing against established modes of perception. This push and pull creates a dynamic tension. Hölzel's emphasis on color and form anticipates later abstract movements. He destabilizes conventional religious iconography and challenges viewers to reconsider their understanding of space, representation, and the spiritual. As such, “Nativity” moves beyond its ostensible subject matter, becoming a meditation on the intrinsic qualities of painting itself, inviting us to interpret and reinterpret its meaning.