Self-Portrait 

This is Max Liebermann’s self-portrait, made with charcoal on paper. Charcoal, a humble material, gives a provisional quality to the image, as if capturing a fleeting moment. Look closely and you'll notice the texture of the paper coming through the charcoal marks. The varying pressure and direction of the strokes create depth, and the artist's focus on the act of drawing itself. Liebermann depicts himself in the process of creation, holding a sketchbook, his eyes sharp and observant. This emphasis on the act of drawing elevates the medium. Although charcoal is a readily available material, the skill in rendering form and light is evident. It’s a reminder that artmaking is about more than just the material; it's about the artist's vision and the labor involved in bringing that vision to life. In this way, Liebermann elevates the status of drawing, positioning it as a medium of serious artistic inquiry.