Untitled (Death Mask) 1978

Arnulf Rainer's 1978 drawing "Untitled (Death Mask)" exemplifies the Austrian artist's signature style of self-portraiture. The work is characterized by a dense, chaotic web of lines that obscures and distorts the subject's face, creating an unsettling sense of anonymity and alienation. This technique, known as "Übermalung" (overpainting), reflects Rainer's exploration of identity, memory, and the fragility of the human condition. The stark contrast between the black lines and the white background emphasizes the abstract nature of the image, blurring the lines between reality and representation.