Zelfportret

Josef Albers

1916

Zelfportret by Josef Albers, 1916

Before Josef Albers became the famous guru of color theory known for his perfect 'Homage to the Square' paintings, he was a young artist in Germany dealing with the stress of World War I. This 1916 self-portrait is a woodcut that looks nothing like his later geometric work—it's raw, angular, and deeply emotional. The face stares out with a weary intensity, carved in stark white against a heavy, grainy black background. It’s a fantastic glimpse into his Expressionist phase, proving that even the most rigid abstract artists start with messy, human feelings.

Technique
Woodcut
Views: 3

Related Artworks