Selbstporträt des Künstlers 

Editor: Here we have Karl Sandhaas' self-portrait, rendered in ink and pencil on paper. It strikes me as both delicate and probing, the gaze feels so direct. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The eyes are, indeed, compelling. Notice how they lack strong shadows, creating a liminal, almost ethereal quality. The way light catches the eyes makes me think of an unburdened introspection, like Orpheus gazing into the Underworld – though, here, the journey seems less fraught with emotional distress. Editor: Interesting. So you're drawing a connection to classical mythology? I was thinking about how self-portraits often try to capture the artist's soul or essence, which makes me think of an artist confronting themselves. Curator: Precisely. Consider the faint, almost hesitant lines used for his facial hair, juxtaposed with the more confident strokes defining his clothing. Might that visual dichotomy symbolize a contrast between the perceived self versus the projected persona? It reflects the archetype of the artist as a contemplative figure, perhaps questioning his place in the world or the value of his art. Does it bring to mind specific literary figures or historical artists? Editor: I’m thinking of German Romanticism, especially artists grappling with identity, like Caspar David Friedrich. There's a similar intensity. Curator: That's a strong connection. Also, I suggest to bear in mind, Sandhaas here evokes not just self-representation but also universal themes of artistic pursuit and existential questioning through symbols of the romantic hero and his quest. What resonates with you most strongly? Editor: For me, the self-portrait, as an icon, really embodies the solitary artistic genius questioning themself. Curator: Yes. A resonant piece that shows us how symbols echo across time, inviting endless interpretations.