Girl with hands raised - Oskar Kokoschka

A portrait by Austrian Expressionist Oskar Kokoschka, capturing a subject in a moment of quiet, gestural contemplation.

Oskar Kokoschka, a central figure in the Austrian Expressionist movement, produced this portrait during a period of significant stylistic development. The work displays his characteristic approach to the human subject, where psychological tension is conveyed through fluid brushwork and a specific manipulation of light. The subject is depicted with hands raised, a gesture that introduces a sense of immediacy and vulnerability to the composition.

The artist employs a palette of earthy tones, contrasted against darker, shadowed areas that frame the figure. His application of paint is visible, creating a textured surface that moves away from the smooth finish of academic portraiture. The gaze of the sitter is directed away from the viewer, suggesting an internal focus or a moment of quiet contemplation. This approach to portraiture was typical of Kokoschka, who often sought to capture the inner state of his sitters rather than a mere physical likeness.

In the background, subtle decorative elements appear, providing a contrast to the more gestural treatment of the figure. The signature 'OK' is placed prominently in the upper left, a common feature in his works from this era. This piece reflects the artist's interest in the human condition, a theme that occupied his practice throughout his career. The composition is balanced, yet the loose handling of the paint ensures the image retains a sense of energy. By focusing on the expressive potential of the human form, Kokoschka creates a work that invites observation of both the sitter and the artist's own technical process. This print captures the nuances of the original oil painting, preserving the texture and the specific colour relationships that define the work.