Emil Wachter (1921-2012), Head Of A Woman, 1986

Emil Wachter (1921 Neuburgweiser - 2012 Karlsruhe), Woman's head, 1986. Drawing in ink on canvas, 24.5 cm x 19 cm (sheet size), 44.5 cm x 36.4 cm (frame), signed ‘E. Wa[achter]’ lower left and dated ‘7.5.[19]86’. Attractively framed exposed behind glass
- in very good condition  



- Female Wisdom -


In the style of Wachter's biblical portraits of women, a female figure is depicted with energetically billowing hair that exceeds the picture format. Her hair, barely structured, connects to the diffuse painting ground. At the same time, it frames her bright face, inscribed with characteristic features in deep black. This gives the face the highest contrast, in which the vibrato of the surrounding space culminates. What the woman looking down on the world from above sees remains hidden from us in the mysterious blackness of her gaze.



About the artist


Emil Wachter began studying theology and philosophy in Freiburg in 1941, but was drafted into the army in 1942 and taken prisoner by the British, so he could only resume his studies in 1946 and complete them in 1948. In the same year, he made a trip to Paris, which led to his decision to devote himself to art. From 1949 to 1952 Wachter studied at the art academies in Munich and Karlsruhe under Karl Hubbuch, Carl Trummer and Erich Heckel. He then worked as a freelance painter and sculptor and taught at the Kunstakademie Karlsruhe from 1958 to 1963. He was appointed professor in 1983. Wachter devoted himself especially to the revival of sacred art. He created numerous stained glass windows, reliefs, mosaics, altars, and bells for sacred buildings. He also produced an immense body of secular art that also has a mystical and mysterious quality. His work has been shown in over 150 international solo exhibitions. Emil Wachter was honored with numerous awards throughout his artistic life. His first major award was the Art Prize of the City of Karlsruhe in 1956, and he received his highest honor in 2011 when he was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit.