"Heckel however, reacted to the turbulent life of the metropolis [Berlin] with a retreat towards the private and a concentration on the human condition. His melancholy scenes from this time period are filled with resignation and world-weariness, such as his 1913 woodcut 'Liegende' (Reclining Woman). It depicts his significant other, and later wife, Siddi sleeping in what appears to be a seated position but on a flat surface. Combined with the red oval surrounding her, this has the effect of creating a sort of cocoon around her, especially since the rest of the image is rendered in black and white. The slashes outside of this cocoon shape make it seem like an external force attempting to disturb her. For the time being, she is protected by her red cocoon and seems to be in a deep sleep as judged by her slightly drooping mouth. Yet her environment is encroaching on her peace, mirroring the events of this time leading up to the first world war."