Crucifix and Self-Portrait

Mediums: oil, wood.
Location: The Museum of Ernst Fuchs, Vienna (Austria).

The painting of the 15-year artist, who just entered the Vienna Art Academy is full of incredible expression. The deaf black background emphasizes the brightly lit figure of the crucified depicted in a complex “sliding” pose. Deep traumatic sufferings of the war events, when the young man luckily managed to escape death, are reflected in his too mature face. The details of the work and the painting itself remind the viewer about the traditions of the German Renaissance, while incredibly huge and hooked hands, obscure figure of a woman, and a creature looking out of blackness are features of avant-garde art which were modern for the author.