Selvportræt 1896

This is a self-portrait by John Lübschitz, made with etching on paper. The artist presents himself with a serious expression, wearing a beret, which immediately suggests a bohemian, artistic identity. Lübschitz made this print in Denmark, a country with a strong artistic tradition shaped by its social and political history. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists in Denmark and across Europe grappled with questions of identity, class, and the role of art in a rapidly changing society. Artists often used self-portraits to assert their individual vision and challenge traditional norms. The beret, a common symbol of artistic identity, signals his alignment with avant-garde movements. Understanding the social and institutional context of art requires careful research. By examining the artist's biography, contemporary art criticism, and the history of exhibitions, we can gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance. Art is never created in a vacuum; it reflects the complex interplay of social forces and individual expression.