Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Anita Rée.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Hamburger Kunsthalle.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Contemporary Realism.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Anita Rée

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Anita Rée. It is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle. This oil on canvas self‑portrait presents a woman with dark hair pulled back, dressed in a black top.

About this work

Overview

This oil on canvas self‑portrait presents a woman with dark hair pulled back, dressed in a black top. The composition centers on her face, which bears a neutral, contemplative expression. A muted backdrop of black, brown and purple tones frames the figure, contributing to an overall somber atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is the artist herself, rendered with a direct gaze that engages the viewer without overt emotional display. The restrained demeanor and subdued palette suggest introspection and a measured self‑presentation, aligning with the portrait’s function as a personal record rather than a narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work employs realistic modeling, especially in the detailed rendering of the eyes, nose and mouth. Careful brushwork captures the texture of the hair and the subtle gradations of light on the skin, while the dark, blended background reinforces the figure’s prominence.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1950, the painting is attributed to Anita Clara Rée, a German avant‑garde painter whose career unfolded during the Weimar Republic. After her death, surviving works were safeguarded by a groundskeeper, ensuring the piece remained in private hands before entering the museum’s collection.

Context

Rée’s artistic activity occurred amid the turbulent cultural climate of early twentieth‑century Germany, where modernist tendencies intersected with political upheaval. Her affiliation with contemporary realism placed her within a movement that sought truthful representation while navigating the era’s shifting aesthetic expectations.