Prodigal 1959

Albert Bloch painted this piece, Prodigal, using what looks like thin, washy layers that let the canvas peek through. It's like he's building up the scene, letting the process show, which is something I always appreciate. The colors are muted, earthy, creating a ghostly, dreamlike vibe. Look at the figure draped in grey at the front. See how Bloch uses these strokes to build form but also leave it ambiguous? It's like he's more interested in the feeling of repentance than a literal depiction. The texture overall is rough but translucent. You can imagine Bloch's hand moving across the canvas, layering and scratching. This painting reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker, another artist who wasn’t afraid to depict the human form with vulnerability and raw emotion. I love how art can be a conversation across time, with each artist adding their own voice to the mix. It's not about answers but about keeping the questions alive.