The Bride of the Wind
Oskar Kokoschka
OSKAR KOKOSCHKA, c.1913, OIL ON CANVAS
The fractures of heartbreak bleed into Oskar Kokoschka's paintings. The artist was only 26 years old when he began a passionate two-year relationship with the widowed Alma Mahler, but the anguish of their uncoupling would inspire the turbulent brushstrokes that became his signature. Kokoschka’s rigorous belief in the occurrence of omens guided him throughout his life, both artistic and physical. He had a faith in the universe, and listened to the signs it presented him. When Mahler left him due to a fear of being overcome by passion, it seemed to him a rejection of their earthly destiny. Painted midway through their tumultuous relationship, this painting is directly allegorical - the titular bride is Mahler, whose comfortable rest rings harsh against the open eyes and dissociative expression upon her lover’s face.