Oskar Kokoschka's life-size doll of Alma Mahler featured on Sky Arte series

In 1920 Vienna, a postman discovered a decapitated, blood-covered female figure in a villa garden, which police found to be a life-size doll rather than a real woman. The doll was commissioned by expressionist painter Oskar Kokoschka after his tumultuous affair with Alma Mahler, widow of composer Gustav Mahler. Kokoschka met Alma in 1912 and became obsessed, painting her in his famous work 'The Bride of the Wind' (La donna nella tempesta). Alma refused marriage and left him during the war. Upon returning, Kokoschka had a life-size doll made to resemble Alma, dressing her, taking her on carriage rides, and bringing her to masked balls. He also painted her in 'Woman in Blue'. During a party, he had a fit of rage and melancholy, tore the doll apart, and threw it in the garden. This story is the focus of a new episode of the series 'Inseparabili', hosted by Carlo Lucarelli, airing on Sky Arte on Monday, February 24. Sky Arte's website is powered by Artribune, which manages its content and digital interface.