Self-portrait

Rudolf Steinbüchler depicted himself sitting behind a table, in front of a sheet of paper, and looking at the viewer from under his eyes. The composition is one of those works that reflect the cubist construction of plastic form to a certain extent. The figure is shown close-up so that the head does not fit fully into the representation. It is twisted and deformed, which emphasises its expression. The artist's clothing is shaded in a way that suggests it is composed of simple geometric shapes. In a gaze full of uncertainty and distance, the artist seems to express the negative emotions and pessimistic attitude to life that remained with him from the war years.The composition, made using crayon lithography in 1921, was printed on smooth paper. The sheet of paper held by the portrayed person bears a dedication to Rohland Becker. The artist developed his stylistic features - sparingly applied, synthetic line and presentation of only the most essential elements of the subject, which give the composition solemnity and sublimity - in his later frescoes. In the self-portrait and other works, Steinbüchler reflected his introverted personality, inner concentration, spirituality, and the need for deep reflection on the work performed. He preceded his works with careful preliminary studies.Rudolf Steinbüchler was born in Linz in 1901 and died in Eferding in 1985. He initially studied in Linz at the Mathias May School of Painting. From 1926 to 1933, he specialised in fresco painting at the Academy in Munich. He worked as a fresco painter in Linz, creating in the style of Expressionism. He belonged to several artistic associations of avant-garde artists, including the Munich Secession and the Vienna Secession. His art shows an affinity with the works of Pierre-Cécile Puvis de Chavannes, Hans von Marées, and Ferdinand Hodler.

Ewa Gwiazdowska