“Self-Portrait as a Practice Target” is a notable work by Otto Dix, created between 1914 and 1915, using oil on paper. This artwork is a striking example of the Expressionism movement and belongs to the self-portrait genre.
In the artwork, the artist portrays himself in a military uniform, characterized by bold lines and intense colors typical of Expressionism. The stern visage of the subject exudes a sense of resolve and intensity. The dark shades of the uniform contrast sharply with the flushed cheeks and the bright red piping, drawing immediate attention to the military affiliation and the gravity of the times in which the portrait was conceived. The background, painted in muted tones, serves to accentuate the central figure. The texture and color palette reflect the distress and emotional turmoil associated with the era. Overall, the composition captures a moment of profound self-reflection during a turbulent period in history.
