%C2%A9 Estate Karl Schmidt-Rottluff %2F Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York %2F VG Bild-Kunst%2C Bonn
Girls Blowing Bubbles, 1925
Karl Schmidt-Rottluffexpand_more
Watercolorexpand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more
Conservation of this watercolor was made possible by a generous contribution from Dena and Al Naylor.
Two girls concentrate as they blow soap bubbles from straws. Though they are of tender age, angular black outlines define their facial features, hands, and clothing. While the artist captures the iridescence of the bubbles with a superbly refined gradient of blue wash against white paper, he gives the girls chartreuse skin.
Decisive, sharp-edged patches of color set off watery patches that seemingly leave much of their effect up to chance. In this moment of silent concentration, the scene radiates energy. The artist, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff balances opposites: the charming and the grotesque; control and abandon.
In the early 20th century, Schmidt-Rottluff was one of the leaders of the German Expressionist art movement. He and his peers believed their purpose was not to create images of objects but to convey inner concepts. They transformed visible reality and reduced their creations to what is essential.
What are we to make of this image' Schmidt-Rottluff leaves that up to the viewer. Is their pallor tied to the traditional momento mori connotation of bubble blowing' Are they simply two children at play' In any case, he presents us with a humble, nearly universal experience and allows us to explore it through fresh eyes.
Details
- Title
- Girls Blowing Bubbles
- Artist Life
- 1884–1976
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2014.122
- Provenance
- Georg and Dorothy Tillmann, (1882-1941 and d. 1944) Hamburg and Amsterdam; by descent to their son, Wolf G.Tillman (1912-1995) Hamburg, New York, London, and Guernsey; by descent to his wife Charlotte Tillman (nee Gebert); by descent to the present owner, consigned to Thullier; (William Thullier Fine Art, London); sold to MIA, 2014.
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
© Estate Karl Schmidt-Rottluff / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn