Selbstbildnis im Turmzimmer von Neukastel

Max Slevogt is 62 years old when he begins this self-portrait. He already has a successful career behind him, during which he decisively shaped German Impressionism, venturing into both formal and thematic experiments. In this picture he rightly presents himself as proud and self-confident. His gaze is open and direct. He is holding the accoutrements of his art, whereas his suit indicates the social status he has acquired.

The view through the window shows a Palatinate landscape, which he depicted many times, and also forms part of the portrait. The fall scenery, rendered in vigorous brushwork, points to Slevogt’s age. The mature artist’s vision of himself is unromantic, and we see him here taking a candid look at himself. In 1930 alone Slevogt produced five such self-portraits—some in underwear and dressing gown—in which he unsparingly questions his own position in the world.