Artwork
Woman at the Water
Woman at the Water is an ink print by Maria Uhden. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:below image, at left, in graphite: 3.; below image, at right, in graphite: Maria Uhden
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a solitary female figure seated in shallow water, framed by dense, stylized foliage that fills the surrounding space.
Created in 1918, Woman at the Water is a woodcut by the German artist Maria Uhden, executed in black ink on laid buff paper. The work depicts a solitary female figure seated in shallow water, framed by dense, stylized foliage that fills the surrounding space. The composition centers the woman, whose body is oriented toward the left, with her legs bent and hands resting on her knees.
Her facial expression remains serene, contrasting with the intricate, rhythmic patterns of the vegetation. Uhden's technique in this piece reflects the influence of Expressionism, utilizing the stark contrast of the woodcut medium to emphasize form and emotional resonance over naturalistic detail. Produced during the final year of her life, this work exemplifies her mature style, characterized by a synthesis of folk art simplicity and modernist abstraction.
The piece stands as a significant example of German Expressionist printmaking, highlighting Uhden's unique ability to convey tranquility and introspection through graphic means.
Subject & Meaning
The woman, positioned centrally, faces left with bent legs and hands resting on her knees, her expression calm and her hair cut straight. The surrounding grasses and leaves frame her, suggesting a quiet communion with nature and an atmosphere of repose.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the work relies on carved wood blocks to produce bold, linear marks and a distinctive surface texture. The monochrome palette and softened contours emphasize the serene mood while highlighting the tactile qualities inherent in the medium.
History & Provenance
Created in the final year of World War I, the print reflects Uhden’s engagement with German Expressionist printmaking. It entered public collections through early 20th‑century acquisitions, though specific ownership details remain limited.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
- Three Bathers
Sleeping Shepherdess (Schlafende Hirtin)
Bather with Swans (La baigneuse aux cygnes)
Girl Lifting Her Chemise (Fillette enlevant sa chemise)
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Bathers on the Grass (Baigneuses étendues sur l'herbe)
Entering the Water (L'entrée dans l'eau)
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Two Seated Bathers (Deux baigneuses assises)
Begrüssung (Greeting)
Untitled
Untitled