Max Ackermann’s nude painting “Before the Mirror” from the 1920s is a fascinating work that reflects the tensions and possibilities of figurative painting at this time. In the painting, Ackermann depicts a woman standing naked in front of a mirror. The depiction plays with the idea of the mirror image and self-perception by capturing both the woman’s physical presence and her reflection.



The work epitomises the transition from traditional nude depictions to a more modern, psychological approach. Ackermann dispenses with idealised forms and instead concentrates on human physicality and the intimate situation of looking at oneself.

The print “Before the Mirror” is not only a study of the human body, but also an exploration of the self-perception and inner life of the sitter, which became increasingly important in art in the 1920s.



Further printing from original printing plates that survived the destruction of the studio in the 2nd World War.

survived. These are dated 1923 (creation of the printing plate)/1973 (reprint).



Completely framed with passepartout.