Self-portrait (Fiesole) - Oskar Kokoschka

A raw, expressive self-portrait by Oskar Kokoschka, painted in 1948 during his time in Fiesole, featuring bold brushwork and a focused, observant gaze.

Painted in 1948, this self-portrait captures Oskar Kokoschka during his period of residence in Fiesole, Italy. The work demonstrates the artist's characteristic approach to the human figure, defined by rapid, gestural brushwork and a raw application of pigment. Kokoschka rejects the polished finish of traditional portraiture, opting instead for a surface that records the physical act of painting. His hands, holding a brush, occupy a prominent position in the foreground, drawing attention to the tools of his trade and the tactile nature of his practice.

The palette consists of earthy ochres, deep browns, and sharp blues, applied with a sense of urgency. The light catches the contours of his face, revealing a weary yet observant expression. The background remains largely unresolved, allowing the focus to remain on the psychological presence of the subject. By this stage in his career, Kokoschka had moved away from the extreme psychological distortion of his earlier Viennese works, yet he retained the expressive power that defined his contribution to twentieth-century art.

This image provides a direct encounter with the artist's persona. The composition is tight, forcing the viewer to engage with the gaze of the painter. The visible brushstrokes create a sense of movement, suggesting that the image was captured in a moment of active creation. It is a study of the artist as a craftsman, grounded in the physical reality of his studio environment. The work remains a clear example of the artist's ability to convey character through colour and line, rather than through precise anatomical rendering. It reflects his ongoing interest in the relationship between the painter and the subject, even when that subject is himself.