Self-Portrait with Fist to Face 1918

Max Klinger's 1918 self-portrait "Self-Portrait with Fist to Face" is a striking example of the artist's expressive style. The etching, housed in The Art Institute of Chicago, features Klinger's own face in close-up, his fist pressed against his cheek. The powerful, almost violent gesture, coupled with the deep shadows and rough lines of the etching, conveys a sense of introspection and emotional turmoil. This work exemplifies Klinger's fascination with the human psyche and his exploration of both inner and outer conflict.