Arthur Hartmann 1907

This plaster portrait of Arthur Hartmann was made by Max Klein, though we're not sure when. What I like about this piece is the way Klein used a reductive process, taking away from the ground to create the image of Hartmann's face. There's something really delicate about the mark-making, especially in the hair. You can see how Klein carefully modeled each strand, giving it a sense of movement and life. The surface is matte and kind of chalky which gives it a timeless quality. Look how the light catches the bridge of his nose, highlighting the sharp angles of his face, which contrasts with the softer, more rounded edges of the overall medallion. This piece puts me in mind of the drawings of David Wojnarowicz. Both have a quiet, understated beauty, proving how often the most profound statements are made with the simplest of means. With both artists, it's the process that really shines through, revealing the hand of the artist and their vision.