Ferdinand Staeger, “Self-Portrait”, circa 1930

Ferdinand Staeger (1880–1976)

“Self-Portrait” (“Selbstbildnis”), circa 1930

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching with plate tone printed in brown ink on heavy cream wove paper, hand-signed in pencil by the artist, titled as a self-portrait (“Selbstbildnis”), and inscribed as an artist’s proof (“Probedruck”) numbered two of only three impressions (“2/III”).

This is a richly inked, and strong impression with carefully wiped plate tone giving a warm moody glow complementing the dramatic chiaroscuro modelling of the face. The sheet is in excellent condition—near pristine—free of tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant signs of handling and stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 35 x 26.2 cm
• Platemark: 19.5 x 14.5 cm

In-Plate Inscription:

• In mirror at lower left: “VERITAS”—truth (factual accuracy)

Pencil Inscriptions:

• Left: “Probedruck” (proof print) “2/III” 
• Centre: “Selbstbildnis” (Self-Portrait)
• Right on lower corner of the image: “F Staeger” (artist’s signature)

References:

• Muschler, Conrad Reinhold. Ferdinand Staeger: Eine Monographie. Leipzig: Verlag Max Koch, 1925. (Note: This remains the definitive authoritative monograph published during his prime printmaking years)
• Leisching, Julius. Ferdinand Staeger. Vienna: Artur Wolf, 1913. (Note: Documenting his first master portfolio of 10 original etchings that launched his printmaking career)
• The Cultural Foundation of German Expellees: Biography of Ferdinand Staeger: https://kulturstiftung.org/biographien/staeger-ferdinand-3  

Commentary on the Artist:

Ferdinand Staeger is one of the major Austro-German graphic artists of the early-to-mid 20th century. His work is strongly connected to the Symbolist movement. An earlier example of his graphic work may be seen in the illustrations for “Deutsche Gedichte: mit Schattenbildern”, 1908 (German Poems: with Shadow Pictures; see  https://archive.org/details/deutschegedichte00frau/page/12/mode/thumb) epitomising the elegance of his designs. His later work, by contrast, is more reliant on dense and intricate line work executed with the same technical precision as his earlier designs.

This self-portrait (Selbstbildnis), with the depicted hand-mirror inscribed with the Latin word “VERITAS” (Truth) clarifies the artist’s intent: to capture an uncompromised truthful visual documentation of both his physical features and psychological mindset without vanity or wishful idealisation.

Price & Shipping:

AU$336 (approx. US$234.88 / €205.19 / £175.10), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this psychologically penetrating self-portrait of an artist—the hand-glass inscribed with “VERITAS” testifying to the artist’s intent to represent himself as truthfully as he is able—please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless and protected transaction.