Zelfportret van kunstenaar Joan Berg 1861 - 1935

Joan Berg created this self-portrait print using etching techniques. The visual field is dominated by a tonal range that fluctuates between light and dark, with a somber palette that may evoke a feeling of introspection. The composition is structured around a contrast between the detailed rendering of Berg's face and the more loosely defined background. The artist's gaze is averted, suggesting a sense of detachment. Note how the etched lines create texture and volume, particularly in the drapery of the clothing. The background is made up of a dense network of hatched lines, creating an almost palpable sense of depth. It seems that Berg is not merely representing a likeness but also exploring the psychological dimensions of portraiture. The use of etching allows for a degree of ambiguity and openness, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between representation and self-understanding. The formal qualities of the artwork function aesthetically and as part of a broader discourse on the self.