This book is a slim collection of eighty (of the more than 700) gouaches created by Charlotte Salomon. Salomon's gouaches are an autobiographical narrative composed of both text and paintings and the pieces included reflect what the editor believes to be "the essence of her life" (np). Also included are an introduction from Paul Tillich, placing Salomon's work in the context of history and discussing the value of this work as a representation of the value of life, as well as a biographical history of Salomon provided by Emil Straus.


In some ways, Charlotte: A Diary in Pictures provides an ideal introduction to Salomon's work; the commentaries are brief and the work stands on its own. However, if this were the only text one were to read regarding Salomon, it would be easy to misconstrue the intent of the work itself. Even the title of the book is a bit of a misnomer given that Salomon saw her work as a play (titled Life? or Theater? A Play with Music) rather than as merely a diary. This book requires supplementation with other texts in order to more accurately understand the work of Charlotte Salomon. ( )