The Pillow

Maximilian Pirner, 1903

MEDIUMColor woodcut on paper
DIMENSIONSImage: 28.5 × 25.9 cm (11 1/4 × 10 1/4 in.); Sheet - folded: 38.1 × 30.8 cm (15 × 12 3/16 in.); Secondary support: 56 × 45 cm (22 1/16 × 17 3/4 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONPrints and Drawings
CULTUREAustria
CREDIT LINEPurchased with funds provided by Henry Regnery

This color woodcut captures a woman in a profound sleep, her face nestled into a pillow. It's a striking example of Symbolist art, inviting contemplation on themes of dreams and vulnerability through its bold lines and intimate portrayal.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

A woman lies with her head nestled into a large, white pillow, her eyes closed in what appears to be a deep, perhaps troubled, sleep. The color woodcut technique gives the image a striking graphic quality, with bold lines and a limited palette emphasizing the contours of her face and the folds of the fabric. Her dark hair spills across the pillow, contrasting sharply with its bright surface, while the shadows around her suggest an intimate, perhaps nocturnal, setting. The scene evokes a sense of quiet introspection or vulnerability, drawing the viewer into her private moment. Created in 1903, this work by Maximilian Pirner reflects the Symbolist interest in psychological states and inner worlds, often exploring themes of sleep, dreams, and the subconscious.

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What to Notice

1

The way the dark hair contrasts with the stark white pillow.

2

The subtle shading on her face, suggesting the curve of her cheek.

3

The intricate patterns and textures created by the woodcut lines.

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Audio Deep Dive

This color woodcut captures a woman in a profound sleep, her face nestled into a pillow. It's a striking example of Symbolist art, inviting contemplation on th…

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THE ARTIST
Maximilian Pirner 1854–1924 · Austria–Hungary

Maximilian Pirner, a Czech painter, explored classical mythology and the macabre, mastering a "sinuous line" while being a member of the Vienna Secession.

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