In the self-portrait with Muse by Otto Dix, Greek mythology focuses on a goddess of the arts and sciences. The erotic and voluptuous body clothed in a blue, transparent veil is in a wind stream. The curly, dark brown hair and veil swirl in the wind. Only the second look is directed to the artist himself. What gesture does the raised hand of the goddess of art hold, should the painter be kept at a distance in his clerical, colour-smeared smock? The mutual view creates a field of tension, while the painter leads the fine brush on the transparent veil of the Greek goddess in self-assured calm. It is an artistic scenario, a sensual metamorphosis that gives the appearance of reality. An ingenious and masterly work in perfect three-dimensional perception.


Otto Dix, Selfportrait with Muse, oil on canvas, 81.5 x 94 cm, 1924.

Osthaus Museum Hagen (own digital photography and own description).