Self-Portrait by Max Beckmann

Self-Portrait 1905

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maxbeckmann

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stadelmuseum

oil, canvas

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portrait

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17_20th-century

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oil

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possibly oil pastel

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oil painting

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canvas

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portrait reference

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acrylic on canvas

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underpainting

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painting painterly

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portrait drawing

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portrait art

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watercolor

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fine art portrait

Max Beckmann's 1905 "Self-Portrait" depicts the artist in a close-up view, looking directly at the viewer. The artist's features are rendered with expressive brushstrokes, capturing a sense of introspective intensity. The background, with its view through a window, suggests the artist's inner world. This portrait, a quintessential example of early Expressionism, showcases Beckmann's distinctive style, characterized by bold lines, simplified forms, and vibrant color. It is currently housed in the Städel Museum.

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stadelmuseum over 1 year ago

This self-portrait marks a turning point in Beckmann’s art of painting: it depicts the moment he turned away from Impressionism and towards other influences. The systematised brushstrokes and the painter’s looks show the influence of van Gogh’s self-portraits. In contrast, the emphatically geometric structure of the background with its large, coherent colour fields reflects the artist’s interest in Cézanne’s art. The letters at the bottom of the picture can be read as a dedication to Beckmann’s future wife, Minna Tube: “Mister Beckmann to his Dearest [Herr Beckmann seiner Liebsten] Minna (Minkchen) Tube”.

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