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Max Beckmann

Self-Portrait with Bowler Hat, 1921

Description

Maker

Title

Self-Portrait with Bowler Hat

Year

1921

Medium

Drypoint on paper

Materials/Techniques

Materials

Supports

Dimensions

Plate: 32.1 x 24.5 cm (12 5/8 x 9 5/8 inches)

Type

Credit

Gift of Murray S. Danforth , Jr.

Object Number

51.511

Exhibition History

Exhibition History

Facing Artists

February 27 - July 31, 2009

Max Beckmann began his career painting in traditional styles, but after he served in World War I, the character of his art changed, becoming more expressive and
infused with a deeply personal iconography. Beckmann frequently inserted his self-portrait into compositions, taking on different roles. Here, the artist presents
himself as a gentleman, with a large ring, stylish suit, and bowler hat. According to one Beckmann scholar, the oil lamp represents enlightenment and the cat the
artist’s role in transforming ideas to art. Beckmann’s masklike face is as obscure as these references, perhaps purposely revealing nothing of the artist’s personality or emotions to the viewer.

Dreams and Nightmares

November 5, 2004 - January 23, 2005

The elements in the artist’s studio have been interpreted by a Beckmann scholar as symbolic. The oil lamp represents enlightenment, and the cat the magical role of the artist in transforming reality into image. Beckmann’s masklike face reveals nothing of his personality. The gentleman-artist was only one of the many roles he played.

Use

The images on this website can enable discovery and collaboration and support new scholarship, and we encourage their use. This object is in Copyright. This object is Self-Portrait with Bowler Hat with the accession number of 51.511. To request high-resolution files or new photography, please send an email to imagerequest@risd.edu and include your name and the object's accession number.