The artwork titled “King’s Daughter Sees Iceland” was created by artist Joseph Beuys in 1960. This piece employs a mix of media, including collage, gouache, pencil, felt, and paper, and is associated with the Neo-Dada art movement. The figurative work measures 114 x 98.5 cm and is part of the collection at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, Germany.
The artwork presents a dynamic and abstracted composition featuring a stark contrast of colors and forms. Dominated by deep reds and dark tones, the composition is enigmatic and does not readily give away its narrative or symbolism. Various textures and materials are combined to create a layered effect, which is characteristic of Beuys’ approach to art, where materials have conceptual significance.
The upper left portion shows a circular form that might suggest a symbolic or abstract portrayal, while the right side of the artwork is marked by a form resembling a figure or object, delineated by lighter colors set against the surrounding darker hues. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension within the piece. The sparsity of concrete shapes, along with the blending of elements, invites interpretation while resisting definitive conclusions, hinting at the Neo-Dada movement’s inclination towards challenging traditional aesthetics and the viewer’s perception of art.
