Self portrait 1911

Nathan Altman created this self-portrait using oil on canvas. The historical and cultural context of this piece is deeply rooted in the Russian avant-garde movement of the early 20th century. Altman was a Jewish artist navigating a complex identity within a society marked by both opportunities and discrimination. His involvement in movements like Cubo-Futurism allowed him to explore new forms of expression that broke away from traditional, representational art. He was once quoted as saying: “art should lead people forward”. This work is infused with an emotional intensity, which can be seen in the subject's gaze that seems to penetrate beyond the canvas. The angular features and stark color palette reflect the socio-political tensions of a society undergoing rapid change. The painting resists conventional notions of beauty, forging a new narrative of what it means to represent oneself in a time of upheaval. Through its innovative form and emotional depth, the painting reflects both the societal issues and the personal dimensions of living as a Jewish artist in a revolutionary era.