Hekate 

Maximilian Pirner’s ‘Hekate,’ produced circa 1901, is rendered in pastel over paper, presenting a striking image of the Greek goddess of witchcraft. The powdery pastel lends itself well to the ethereal quality of the composition. Pirner uses blended strokes to evoke a sense of mystery, particularly around the moon and the goddess’s flowing garments. The work feels spontaneous, as though quickly rendered, and this improvisational feel is crucial, mirroring the occult subject matter. Pastel, as a medium, stands somewhat apart from both traditional painting and drawing. It's a direct medium. There's no mixing of colors on a palette. The artist applies the pigment directly to the surface. This immediacy is key to its appeal and allows for a tactile, almost sculptural approach to image-making. The intensity of color and the velvety texture invite us to consider art not just as a window onto a subject, but as an object in itself, bearing the trace of the artist's hand.