Self-portrait 1803

This is a self-portrait by Philipp Otto Runge, made sometime before his death in 1810. Runge lived during a time of great social upheaval. The enlightenment was ending and Romanticism was emerging, which saw a shift from reason to emotion. Runge was deeply influenced by these philosophical currents and sought to express the interconnectedness of the universe and the individual's place within it. In this self-portrait, Runge presents himself with a direct gaze. His face is softly lit, revealing a sensitive and thoughtful man. It invites us to consider the artist’s inner world. What was his experience as an artist in a rapidly changing society? How did he see himself in relation to the broader political and social changes of his time? Runge's pursuit of emotional and spiritual depth in art resonates even today, reminding us of the enduring power of art to reflect our shared humanity.