Self-Portrait Laughing 1907

Richard Gerstl's "Self-Portrait Laughing" from 1907 is a powerful expression of the artist's inner state. Painted just a year before his untimely death, the portrait reveals a man at odds with himself, the distorted features and exaggerated grin hinting at a complex inner life. Gerstl's bold use of color and brushstrokes, reminiscent of Expressionism, further emphasizes the emotional intensity of the work. This painting serves as a poignant reminder of Gerstl's talent, tragically cut short, and his ability to capture the essence of human experience in his art.