Drei Mädchen Im Profil 1918

Otto Mueller made this painting, Drei Mädchen Im Profil, which translates to Three Girls in Profile, using distemper on canvas. The approach to mark making feels intentional, almost tentative, and the colors are muted, a deliberate choice that gives the piece a dreamlike quality. The texture is fascinating, with visible brushstrokes adding depth to the surface. Look closely at the face of the girl on the left. Notice that subtle touch of green, just a hint, that gives her skin an otherworldly glow? It's unexpected, and yet, it works perfectly. It's touches like these that create an emotional connection. Mueller reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker in the way he captures the essence of his subjects with such simplicity. Like Paula, he seems less interested in realistic representation and more focused on conveying a feeling, a mood, a fleeting moment. Art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas, and Mueller's work is a testament to that. It embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations, inviting us to see the world in new and unexpected ways.