Self-Portrait, Woodcutting

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner

1921

Self-Portrait, Woodcutting by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1921

Kirchner gives us a masterclass in 'art about art' here, depicting himself carving the very woodblock that created this image. As a founder of the German Expressionist group 'Die Brücke', he favored woodcuts for their speed and raw power, avoiding the slow drying time of oils. His wide, staring eyes and jagged lines capture a manic energy, while the background figures—likely his sculptures—showcase his multidisciplinary talent. It’s a bold declaration of identity from 1921: he isn't just making art, he is consumed by it.

Technique
Woodcut
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