Self-Portrait as a Nurse 1915

In Max Beckmann's 1915 "Self-Portrait as a Nurse," the artist depicts himself as a wartime medical professional. The work is a powerful example of Expressionism, a style characterized by bold colors and distorted forms to convey emotional intensity. Beckmann's self-portrait is not a romanticized image of heroism; rather, it reflects the artist's own experiences in World War I. His gaze is intense, his face worn, suggesting the toll of war on his psyche. The red cross patch on his uniform, while a symbol of aid, also evokes the violence and suffering he witnessed. The painting serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of conflict on individuals.