Self-Portrait (recto)

c. 1912

Heinrich Campendonk

Associated Names
Heinrich Campendonk

Artist, German, 1889 - 1957

The image shows a composition of angular shapes and curved lines intersecting to form an abstract representation of a face. The central figure has a triangular face with geometric eyes and a sharp jawline, resembling a portrait but distorted with color blocks and patterns. Bright colors create abstract associations with familiar objects such as an artist’s palette, visible with distinct round splotches of paint, and a bowtie with dotted patterns. The background melds linear forms and fragmented shapes, similar to pieces of machinery, enhancing the abstract nature of the artwork while suggesting everyday objects like tools or gears.
This object’s media is not available for download. Contact us about image usage.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image contains intersecting shapes and lines creating movement and energy. Flowing curves and angular forms blend across the canvas. A central figure, resembling a person with an arm raised, is formed from geometric shapes and vibrant colors. Other shapes and colors around the figure suggest objects such as a flower or an animal, adding to the lively and expressive quality of the artwork.

Adda Deichmann Reclining in a Chair (verso)

Heinrich Campendonk

1912

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Herwarth Walden, Galerie Der Sturm, Berlin, 1917); Hedwig and Wilhelm Buller, Duisberg, 1917; (sale, Sotheby's, Berlin, 30 May 1991, no. 9); Beatrix and Ladislaus von Hoffmann, Washington, DC, 1991; given to NGA in 2016.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1917

  • Dritte Sturm-Gesamtschau. Galerie Der Sturm, Berlin, 1917 (no. cat.).

1955

  • Sammlung Wilhelm Buller. Kunstverein für die Rheinlande und Westfalen, Düsseldorf, no. 39, fig. 44.

1956

  • Alte und neue Kunst aus rheinischem Privatbesitz. Städtisches Kunstmuseum Duisburg, 1956, no. 77.

1960

  • Heinrich Campendonk, Krefeld 1889-1957 Amsterdam. Museum Haus Lange, Krefeld, 1960, no. 13, reprod. (cat. by Paul Wember).

1964

  • L'Espressionismo, Pittura, Scultura, Architecttura. Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 1964, no. 70.

2001

  • A Century of Drawing: Works on Paper from Degas to LeWitt. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2001, no. 19 (entry by Gregory Jecmen)(color).

Bibliography

1989

  • Firmenich, Andrea. Heinrich Campendonk, 1889-1957. Leben und expressionistisches Werk. Recklinghausen, 1989: no. 147A (reproduced).

2001

  • A Century of Drawing. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2001-2002: no. 19.

2017

  • Jecmen, Gregory. "Heinrich Campendonk, Self-Portrait (recto); Adda Deichmann Reclining in a Chair (verso)." National Gallery of Art Bulletin no. 56 (Spring 2017): 24-25 (color).

Wikidata ID

Q64573402

You may be interested in

Loading Results