“Self-portrait on the sixth anniversary of marriage” written in 1906. The artist portrayed herself half-naked and pregnant. She stands, supporting the stomach with her hands and looks at the viewer without a call and embarrassment.
It is well known that during this period Paula was not pregnant. Art critics interpret the features of this self-portrait in different ways. Some see the desire to show the maturity and independence of a young woman, artistic independence.
Paula looks at us with her big brown eyes, her brown hair with a part in the center is tucked away in her hairpiece. She smiles with a charming half-smile, does not embarrass nudity and tilts her head slightly – a kind of interrogative gesture.
Her only clothing is a white skirt fabric that is loosely tied at the hips below the belly. Her big hands lie above and below the abdomen. This framing and demonstration of her pregnancy. Around her neck is a necklace of diamond-shaped amber colored beads that glow delicately on her pale skin.
During this period, Paula and Otto Modersohn reconciled after a long spat and separation, their family union was strong and both wanted a child. Therefore, Raula and portrayed herself pregnant. She dreamed of a child, her numerous children’s portraits and pictures on the theme of motherhood, made with love and tenderness, speak about it.
This is an unusual and complex self-portrait, which she wrote on the occasion of the sixth wedding anniversary with Otto Moderson. Gentle and soft color palette shows her emotional mood and the secret desire – to give birth to a child. I want to emphasize that during this period she did not need to prove her artistic independence, not long ago she developed her unique style, her works are recognizable and imbued with great vitality. “What a pity,” were her last words in life… “What a pity” that she died immediately after giving birth at the age of 31 … “What a pity” I repeat endlessly…
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