The artwork, titled “Self-Portrait,” was created by the artist Otto Dix in 1914. It falls under the art movement of Expressionism and is classified as a self-portrait.
The artwork depicts a highly evocative and raw portrayal of the artist’s own visage. Utilizing a vivid and somewhat tumultuous color palette, Otto Dix captures an intense emotional landscape. The brushstrokes are aggressive and swift, offering a sense of urgency and inner turmoil. The figure dominates the frame, with stark contrasts between light and shadow adding depth to the contours of the face and neck. The background is marked by chaotic strokes of color, emphasizing the psychological intensity characteristic of Expressionism. The bold use of reds, yellows, and blacks further reinforces the dramatic and visceral nature of the self-portrait. Otto Dix’s signature appears markedly in the right-hand side, integrating seamlessly with the fervent energy of the composition.