A self-portrait by Paula Modersohn-Becker, a key figure in early Expressionism. The painting features earthy tones and a camellia branch, symbolising fertility and life.

Paula Modersohn-Becker, a significant figure in early Expressionism, created this striking self-portrait. Born in Dresden, Germany, she was part of the artistic circle in Worpswede, where she developed her distinctive style. Her work often explored themes of motherhood, the female form, and the natural world, pushing against the conventions of academic painting. She died young, shortly after giving birth to her daughter. In this self-portrait, Modersohn-Becker presents herself with a direct gaze and simplified forms. The colour palette is earthy, with warm browns and ochres dominating the skin tones and background. A camellia branch, held close to her chest, adds a touch of green and symbolises fertility and life. The composition is straightforward, focusing on the artist's face and upper body, with minimal background detail. The brushwork is visible, adding to the painting's raw and expressive quality. The artist's features are stylised, with large eyes and a slightly elongated face, contributing to the painting's unique and somewhat unsettling character.