Selbstbildnis 

Julius Bissier created this compelling self-portrait that presents the artist as a sculptor, deeply engaged with his craft. Bissier lived through both World Wars, which profoundly influenced his artistic vision, leading him towards introspection and the exploration of inner worlds. The painting offers a striking contrast between the artist and the sculpture. Bissier stands tall, with a cool gaze, while the sculpture seems to embody a more somber, perhaps troubled, reflection. The artist’s white coat, a symbol of his profession, is juxtaposed against the raw material of his art. This image prompts us to think about the artist’s identity, as well as the intersection between the creator and the created. Bissier seems to question traditional ideas of the artist as a singular, masterful creator, instead presenting a self-portrait in which the artist is in dialogue with his own artistic subject. In this way, Bissier's work is intensely personal, yet reflective of broader societal questions about identity and purpose.