Selbstbildnis 

This is Anselm Feuerbach's self-portrait, likely painted in the mid-19th century. Feuerbach, working in a period defined by Romanticism and burgeoning Realism, situates himself within the conventions of the artist-as-intellectual. His gaze, directed off to the side, suggests a deep introspection. In contrast to idealized and heroic portrayals, Feuerbach presents himself with a certain somberness. There's an emotional depth in his expression which invites contemplation on the artist's inner world. The deliberate choice to depict himself in this manner reflects the growing emphasis on the individual's emotional experience, and hints at the shifting dynamics between the artist, their self-perception, and their societal role. What does it mean for an artist to present themselves not as a master, but as a feeling, thinking individual?