Untitled 

This untitled print was made by the Swiss artist Helen Dahm, who lived from 1878 to 1968. The portrait presents a bold and unconventional image, playing with light and shadow to create a dramatic effect. Dahm was associated with Expressionism, a movement known for its emotionally charged and subjective responses to the modern world. Considering that Switzerland remained neutral during both World Wars, it makes sense that Dahm devoted herself to a spiritual quest, studying anthroposophy and eastern religions. Her exposure to non-Western cultures, may have influenced her artistic style, visible in the woodcut’s flat planes and bold outlines. The rendering of the figure may seem to challenge conventional notions of beauty and representation. Was she questioning the role of women in society? To understand this piece better, one can delve into Dahm's biography, the history of Expressionism, and the influence of non-Western art on European artists during that time. Art history reveals the social, cultural, and institutional forces shaping artistic expression.