Head of a Woman (Kopf, gross) 1912

Curator: This is Wilhelm Lehmbruck's "Head of a Woman," sometimes referred to as "Kopf, gross," a haunting print. Editor: There's such a melancholy mood about her, isn't there? The tilted head, the soft lines—it evokes a sense of quiet sorrow, maybe even resignation. Curator: Lehmbruck was deeply affected by the First World War; it is believed that this and other similar works address that trauma and the loss of innocence following that period. The artist volunteered for medical service and was exposed to the horrors of war. Editor: It is striking to view this artwork through that socio-political lens. It’s impossible to ignore the potential connection between the subject’s bowed head and the overwhelming weight of historical events. Curator: His turn to printmaking was in part due to the economic constraints brought on by the war and the need to produce more affordable art. Editor: Knowing that makes me appreciate how art responds to and reflects the realities of its time. It is quite telling, isn’t it? Curator: I agree. It prompts us to consider how societal forces shape artistic expression and, indeed, our own perceptions. Editor: Definitely, and to think about the individual stories that intersect with those broader narratives. It gives the artwork a whole other dimension.