Preview
Send
Share
Details
Guide
Download
Similars
X-Ray
Diaporama
Q&A
StatsSelfportrait with skeleton
- 88.0 x 68.0 cm
Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth (1858–1925) was a German artist and writer known for blending Impressionism and Expressionism. His evocative painting ‘Self-Portrait with Skeleton,’ created in 1896, depicts him seated before a skeleton holding a skull—a poignant symbol of death and contemplation. Held at Lenbachhaus in Munich, this artwork exemplifies Corinth’s mature style and explores themes of exis
Read More
Franz Corinth: German artist blending Impressionism & Expressionism. Vibrant portraits, nudes, & landscapes. Explore his legacy at TopImpressionists.com!
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (
Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Standard
custom
CM
INCH
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
Loading sizes...
width
height
Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (7 November)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
Selfportrait with skeleton
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 70
Selfportrait with skeleton
Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth’s “Selfportrait with Skeleton,” completed in 1896, stands as a haunting meditation on mortality and artistic introspection—a cornerstone of Expressionist art that continues to resonate with viewers today. Painted during Corinth’s formative years amidst the burgeoning Berlin Secession movement, this artwork transcends mere representation; it delves into profound psychological themes interwoven with meticulous stylistic considerations.
- Artist: Lovis Corinth (1858 – 1925)
- Date: 1896
- Size: 88 x 68 cm
- Location: Lenbachhaus, Munich, Germany
Corinth’s artistic journey began with a naturalistic approach influenced by Parisian and Munich academies. However, he swiftly embraced Expressionism, rejecting Impressionist conventions in favor of conveying emotion and inner turmoil—a stylistic shift powerfully exemplified in “Selfportrait with Skeleton.” The painting's genesis can be traced back to Arnold Böcklin’s “Death Playing the Violin,” a work that profoundly impacted Corinth’s artistic sensibilities. Böcklin’s depiction of death as an active participant, rather than a passive specter, served as inspiration for Corinth’s own exploration of existential anxieties.
The composition itself is strikingly deliberate. Corinth presents himself in profile against a backdrop dominated by a skeletal figure positioned behind him—a direct reference to the *Memento mori* tradition prevalent throughout European art history. The skeleton holds aloft a skull, symbolizing decay and inevitable death, yet simultaneously embodies artistic contemplation. Corinth’s gaze directs towards the viewer, establishing an unsettling dialogue between artist and observer about the fragility of life.
Technically, “Selfportrait with Skeleton” showcases Corinth's mastery of oil paint on canvas. The brushstrokes are loose and textured, conveying a palpable sense of urgency and emotional intensity—characteristic of Expressionist painting. Corinth utilizes muted colors—primarily blues and browns—to create an atmosphere of melancholy and introspection. Light plays across the figure’s face and torso, highlighting his features while casting shadows that deepen the psychological impact of the scene. The studio window provides illumination from outside, emphasizing the artist's isolation and confronting him with the inescapable reality of mortality.
Beyond its formal qualities, “Selfportrait with Skeleton” carries significant symbolic weight. It speaks to Corinth’s preoccupation with themes of death, decay, and artistic legacy—questions that preoccupied many artists of his era. The inclusion of a violin symbolizes beauty and harmony juxtaposed against the bleakness of mortality, prompting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of existence. Corinth's signature on the upper right corner reinforces this connection to artistic tradition and underscores the painting’s enduring relevance as a testament to the human condition.
Today, “Selfportrait with Skeleton” resides in the Lenbachhaus museum in Munich, where it continues to captivate audiences with its haunting beauty and intellectual depth. Its masterful execution—combined with its evocative symbolism—solidifies Corinth's place among the most influential figures of Expressionist art.
Questions & Answers
Who created "Selfportrait with skeleton" and in what year?
The author of "Selfportrait with skeleton" is Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth, and the work is dated 1896.
Can the image of "Selfportrait with skeleton" by Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth be freely reproduced?
The copyright answer for "Selfportrait with skeleton" by Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth: the work is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. This determines whether reproductions of the image may be freely made.
What subjects appear in "Selfportrait with skeleton" by Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth?
"Selfportrait with skeleton" by Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth depicts: skeleton, skull, portrait, studio, window, reflection, darkness.
Artist Biography
early life and education
franz heinrich louis corinth, a german artist and writer, was born on july 21, 1858, in tappergart, prussia. corinth's early work was naturalistic in approach, reflecting his studies in paris and munich. he later joined the berlin secession group, succeeding max liebermann as the group's president.artistic style and evolution
corinth's mature work realized a synthesis of impressionism and expressionism. after a stroke in 1911, his style loosened, taking on many expressionistic qualities. his use of color became more vibrant, and he created portraits and landscapes of extraordinary vitality and power.- his subject matter included nudes, biblical scenes, and portraits, such as lovis corinth: female semi-nude with hat (283 x 383 cm, kunstpalast, düsseldorf, germany).
- corinth's work can be found in various museums, including the kunstsalon franke schenk (munich, germany), which showcases his oil paintings on canvas and copper.
- the museum collection hugo fischer (bühl, germany) also features corinth's work, highlighting his contribution to the evolution of german and european painting.
legacy and influence
corinth's unique blend of impressionism and expressionism has influenced generations of artists. his work can be seen in various exhibitions, including those at the stadtische kunstsammlungen darmstadt (darmstadt, germany), which features an impressive collection of artworks from romanticism to contemporary art. key works: * lovis corinth: female semi-nude with hat (kunstpalast, düsseldorf, germany) * corinth's landscapes and portraits, showcasing his use of vibrant colors and extraordinary vitalityrelated artists and movements:
* max liebermann (1847-1935), a german painter and printmaker, and one of the leading proponents of impressionism in germany. * expressionism, an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in germany and austria.- explore more of corinth's work on TopImpressionists.com.
- discover the kunstsalon franke schenk (munich, germany) and its collection of german expressionist art.
- read more about max liebermann on wikipedia.
Franz Heinrich Louis Corinth
1858 - 1925 , Germany
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Maurice Prendergast
- Nationality: American
- Date Of Birth: 1858
- Date Of Death: 1925
- Place Of Birth: Tepelero, Germany
- Notable Artworks:
- Landscape with Figures
- Figures on a Beach
- Gloucester
- Three Nudes
- Summer Day, New England
- Central Park
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Post-Impressionism
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Lovis Corinth
- Henry Bayley Snell
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['George Henry']
Related Articles
Unmasking Emotion: A Journey Through the Raw Power and Visceral Beauty of German Expressionism
Explore the raw emotional power of German Expressionism. From Kirchner to Die Brücke, discover how artists used distortion and vibrant color to unmask the human psyche. A deep dive into art history for the discerning collector and enthusiast.
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.
