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Portrait of Mr. Bittermann

A work made of gouache and watercolor, with scraping, over graphite, on ivory wove paper.
© 2018 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn

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  • A work made of gouache and watercolor, with scraping, over graphite, on ivory wove paper.

Date:

1923

Artist:

Otto Dix
German, 1891-1969

About this artwork

While many of the subjects for Dix’s portraits can be identified, his watercolor portraits are often embodiments of a stereotype, providing an outlet for his critical attacks on society. Dix’s portrait of Mr. Bittermann is an example of this type of depiction. He presents us with an image of the quintessential, hardnosed profiteer: the Bitter Man, unable to see beyond the glare that clouds his vision and apparently blind to the ills he perpetuates in the economy.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Prints and Drawings

Artist

Otto Dix

Title

Portrait of Mr. Bittermann

Place

Germany (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1923

Medium

Gouache and watercolor, with scraping, over graphite, on ivory wove paper

Inscriptions

Signed, titled and dated in graphite

Dimensions

54.4 × 46.2 cm (21 7/16 × 18 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

Purchased with funds provided by Dr. and Mrs. William Shorey

Reference Number

1985.386

Copyright

© 2018 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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