The artwork, titled “Self-Portrait,” was created by Max Ernst in 1909 in Cologne, Germany. Rendered in oil on canvas, the piece belongs to the Expressionism art movement and measures 90 by 60 centimeters. It is a quintessential example of a self-portrait and currently resides in a private collection.
In the artwork, the subject dominates the frame with a strikingly intense gaze, capturing the viewer’s attention with luminous, expressive eyes that reveal a multitude of emotions. The artist employs bold, vigorous brushstrokes, utilizing warm and cool tones to create a vivid interplay of light and shadow across the visage. The positioning of the hand near the chin adds an element of contemplation and depth, hinting at an introspective moment. The details within the brushwork bring forth a textured realism, juxtaposed against the more abstract, exaggerated coloration characteristic of Expressionism. Each element harmonizes to form a deeply personal and evocative representation of the artist himself.
