Self-Portrait (with Anemones) - Walter Gramatté

A 1923 self-portrait by German Expressionist Walter Gramatté, featuring the artist alongside a vase of anemones in a striking blue interior.

Walter Gramatté, a significant figure within the German Expressionist movement, produced this self-portrait in 1923. The work demonstrates his characteristic approach to the human form, where psychological tension is conveyed through angular lines and a deliberate rejection of naturalistic proportions. The artist presents himself with a gaunt, introspective expression, his features rendered with rapid, decisive strokes of ink that define the structure of his face against the surrounding space.

The composition is dominated by a deep, saturated blue that permeates the background and the furniture, creating a sense of enclosure. To the right, a glass vase containing anemones provides a contrast to the figure. These flowers are painted with a lighter, more fluid touch, yet they remain integrated into the overall chromatic scheme of the piece. The use of watercolour allows for varying degrees of transparency, particularly in the rendering of the artist's clothing and the wooden surface of the table.

Gramatté’s work from this period often reflects the anxieties of post-war Germany. His style avoids the polished finish of academic painting, opting instead for a raw, immediate quality that prioritises the artist's internal state. The visible brushwork and the unrefined application of colour contribute to the sense of urgency present in the image. By placing himself alongside the ephemeral nature of cut flowers, Gramatté invites the viewer to consider themes of mortality and personal identity. This print captures the specific textures of the original paper and the layered application of the medium, offering a clear view of the artist's technical process and his emotive use of colour.