Head of a little girl (Elsbeth)

"Head of a little girl (Elsbeth)" by Paula Modersohn-Becker exemplifies her pioneering approach to Expressionism. The portrait captures the innocence and soft features of a young girl named Elsbeth with tender detail, rendered using tempera for its vibrant, lasting color. Becker’s work often broke traditional boundaries, being among the first women to depict portraits that convey deep psychological insight. Her innovative style and focus on personal, intimate subjects helped establish her as a groundbreaking figure in early modern art, leading to the creation of a dedicated museum in her honor.