A peasant woman with an umbrella 

Alfred Krupa created "A Peasant Woman with an Umbrella" using bold brushstrokes of black and white paint on a neutral ground, achieving a stark contrast. The composition is dominated by the figure of the woman, almost dissolving into the white of her attire and umbrella, against a dark, arching backdrop. This creates a compelling interplay between figure and ground. Krupa's approach can be understood through the lens of semiotics. The umbrella, the woman's dress, even the landscape are depicted through a minimal set of signs. The near-absence of detail destabilizes conventional representation, inviting viewers to question the very essence of the subject. The figure is constructed not through realistic depiction but through the strategic use of brushstrokes that define form. Notice how the high contrast and the gestural quality of the lines create a sense of immediacy. It is through this focus on form that Krupa prompts a broader reflection on the structures that shape our perception and understanding.