Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka’s Self-Portrait (Fiesole), created in 1948, is an expressionistic masterpiece that captures the intensity and raw emotion of the artist. Measuring 65.5 x 55 cm, the artwork portrays Kokoschka seated around a table with four friends in Fiesole, near Florence. The painting features signature expressionistic elements like distorted forms and strong brushstrokes that emphasize the artist’s inner turmoil.
Kokoschka was known for his intense expressionistic portraits and landscapes, often inspired by personal experiences such as suffering from shell shock during military service. This experience had a profound influence on his art, allowing him to better express emotions through form and color. Other famous works by him include “Veronica’s Veil” and “Bride of the Wind.”
In Self-Portrait (Fiesole), Kokoschka altered the position of his arms in a crossed gesture to communicate defiance or assertiveness. This adds depth and complexity to an otherwise peaceful postprandial scene in Tuscany. Despite its artistic merit, this painting was included in the exhibition of Degenerate ‘Art’ organized by Nazis to ridicule modern art.
Overall, Self-Portrait (Fiesole) represents Kokoschka’s artistic style at its finest with intense expressions captured on canvas despite ordinary settings highlighted through vivid use of color creating vibrant and emotional masterpieces that will forever be iconic examples of Expressionism movement within art history.
