The artwork “Self-Portrait in Florence” was created by the artist Max Beckmann in 1907. This oil on canvas painting adheres to the verism movement, showcasing a truthful and realistic depiction. The dimensions of the artwork are 90 x 98 cm, and it belongs to the genre of self-portrait. Presently, this piece is located in the Kunsthalle Hamburg, in Hamburg, Germany.
The artwork presents the self-representation of the artist Max Beckmann, standing upright and facing the viewer with a penetrating gaze. He is well-dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt and tie, indicative of the fashion of the early 20th century. Beckmann’s expression is solemn and introspective, suggesting a moment of self-reflection or confrontation. The background features muted tones and impressionistic forms of trees and foliage, giving a sense of depth and environment without detracting from the focal point—the artist himself. The brushwork is confident and bold, with thick impastos adding texture to the piece, particularly noticeable in the treatment of the artist’s face and the foliage, adding a tactile quality to the painting. The palette consists mostly of earthy and autumnal colors, imparting a subdued yet warm ambience to the scene. Overall, the self-portrait exudes a strong sense of individuality and the earnest endeavor of the artist to capture his own essence on canvas.
