Max Beckmann

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.

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.