Portrait of a Woman in a Purple Hat 1912

Lovis Corinth's "Portrait of a Woman in a Purple Hat" is an oil painting that showcases an expressive use of color and brushwork. The dominant purple hue of the hat and coat, complemented by strokes of contrasting colors, gives the portrait a dynamic and somewhat unsettling energy. The composition is defined by loose, gestural brushstrokes that build form without adhering to strict realism. Corinth's method conveys a sense of immediacy. Notice how the brushstrokes, especially around the face, are applied in thick, visible layers, almost as if the painting were constructed rather than simply rendered. This materiality draws attention to the act of painting itself, emphasizing the artist's presence. The woman's gaze, slightly averted, adds to the overall tension, suggesting an encounter that is fleeting and unresolved. The painting challenges traditional portraiture by prioritizing expression over meticulous representation. Corinth uses the formal elements of color, texture, and gestural marks to suggest a psychological state, inviting us to consider how the painting captures a moment of both presence and transience.