Self-Portrait 1908

Marsden Hartley created this self-portrait with conté crayon on paper sometime during his career. It gives the impression of a quick sketch, a moment of self-reflection captured with a few expressive strokes. The drawing appears to be stylistically influenced by German Expressionism, a movement that gained momentum in the early 20th century. Hartley spent time in Germany before the First World War, where he was exposed to the avant-garde art scene. The style is characterized by its bold lines, distorted forms, and emotional intensity. We can see this here, in the exaggeration of Hartley's features and the raw energy of the lines, suggesting a certain level of psychological turmoil. Hartley lived in a time when traditional notions of identity were being challenged. The rise of modernism in art and literature coincided with broader social and political changes, including evolving ideas about sexuality and gender. Hartley's sexuality was not publicly acknowledged during his lifetime, but his art often explored themes of masculinity, desire, and the search for self-acceptance. Art historians often look into the artist’s biography to find resources to better understand it.