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Arnold Böcklin

 

Arnold Böcklin, Self-portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle, 1872

CONTEXT CLUES:

Death and mortality are a repeating theme in several of Böcklin's artworks. In this self-portrait, the personification of Death stands behind the artist. Death holds a violin, drawing a bow across the single remaining string, its other strings conspicuously absent. The painter, alert, has paused in his work. He's clearly aware of the figure right behind him but isn't turning to look.

Why do you think Böcklin might have painted himself in the presence of Death? Why do you think he's still so calm and composed in the picture?

Other self-portraits by Böcklin:










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