Zelfportret 1917

Jan Mankes's 1917 self-portrait, "Zelfportret," showcases the artist's masterful use of etching in creating a strikingly realistic depiction of his own face. The work is a close-up, capturing the artist's intense gaze, with one eye closed and the other wide open, giving the portrait a sense of both vulnerability and strength. Mankes, who died tragically young at the age of 30, is known for his animal and nature studies, which are often rendered with a similar attention to detail and emotional depth. This self-portrait is an important piece in understanding his artistic vision and his personal life, as it was created during the final years of his life.