Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in 1914.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Hamburger Kunsthalle.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with German Expressionism.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner , 1914

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the German Expressionist artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

About this work

The man's face is painted in a rough, expressive style, with visible brushstrokes and a sense of intensity.

This painting shows a man with dark hair and a mustache, wearing a dark jacket. He is looking straight ahead, with his head tilted slightly to the right. The background is a mix of brown and green colors.

The man's face is painted in a rough, expressive style, with visible brushstrokes and a sense of intensity. His eyes are cast downward, giving the impression that he is lost in thought.

The painting is a self-portrait by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, created in 1914. To learn more about Kirchner's work and style, look up the artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.

Overview

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s 1914 oil on canvas self‑portrait presents the artist as a young adult male, rendered against a muted brown‑green backdrop. The figure is centered, his dark hair and moustache framing a somber expression, while his head leans slightly to the right. The work resides in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle, offering a concise glimpse of Kirchner’s self‑representation during a pivotal moment in his career.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures Kirchner in a moment of introspection; his eyes are directed downward, suggesting an inner focus rather than outward engagement. The subdued palette and the slight tilt of the head convey a quiet intensity, reflecting the artist’s personal contemplation amid the turbulent pre‑World War I atmosphere that shaped much of his early expressionist output.

Technique & Style

Kirchner employs a vigorous, expressive brushwork that leaves the texture of the paint visible, especially across the facial features. The handling of color is restrained, with earthy tones dominating the background, allowing the darker hues of the jacket and hair to stand out. This approach aligns with the raw, emotive qualities characteristic of early German Expressionism, emphasizing psychological depth over realistic detail.

History & Provenance

Created shortly before the outbreak of World War I, the painting remained in Kirchner’s possession until it entered the Hamburger Kunsthalle’s holdings. The artist’s later years were marred by the Nazi regime’s condemnation of modern art, which led to the loss or forced sale of many of his works. This self‑portrait survived those purges, preserving a personal record of Kirchner’s early artistic identity.