Self-Portrait 1909

This self-portrait was made by Lovis Corinth using etching, and it gives us a glimpse into the artist's process. It’s all about the act of seeing and recording, isn’t it? The etching is a web of tiny lines that somehow construct a face and form. Look how the light catches his forehead, and then fades into the shadows around his eyes. It is all done with such delicate, precise marks. You can almost feel the scratch of the needle on the plate. The way the lines build up density in certain areas gives it a real sense of depth. Corinth captures not just a likeness, but also a mood. I am reminded of Lucian Freud. Like Freud, there’s an honesty and directness that I really appreciate. Ultimately, this self-portrait isn’t just an image; it’s an encounter, an echo of a person caught in a moment.