Selbstbildnis Mit Sportmütze 1923

This is Albin Egger-Lienz’s Self-Portrait with a Sports Cap, painted in 1923. Egger-Lienz lived through the Austro-Hungarian Empire's decline and the rise of nationalist sentiments in Europe. His personal experiences during these tumultuous times shaped his artistic vision, which challenged traditional academic styles by adopting a more modern, expressive approach. In this self-portrait, Egger-Lienz presents himself not in the guise of a bourgeois intellectual, but rather as a man of action. The ‘sportmütze’, or sports cap, suggests a turn towards the physical, a break from the constraints of the mind. Yet, the shadows cast across his face, obscuring his eyes, evoke a sense of unease, reflecting the post-war disillusionment prevalent at the time. Egger-Lienz’s choice to depict himself in this manner raises questions about masculinity and identity in a rapidly changing world. He seems to be grappling with the emotional and psychological toll of historical events. This piece invites us to reflect on how societal upheavals can impact our personal sense of self.