Hans Alexander Mueller
American, born Germany, 1888 - 1962Self-Portrait, ca. 1950
Not on view
Woodcut on paper
Dimensions15 7/8 × 11 1/8 in. (40.3 × 28.3 cm)
Image: 12 × 10 in. (30.5 × 25.4 cm)
Gift of Mr. Jack B. Pierson, 1985.25
Hans Alexander Mueller was born in Leipzig, Germany, where he also studied at the Academy for Graphic Arts. After World War I, he taught woodcutting and engraving at the academy. In addition to his teaching duties, he designed book jackets, and made illustrations, prints and paintings for a variety of clients. Mueller’s book illustrations include those for Kidnapped and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
In this self-portrait, Mueller utilizes the woodcut technique which was the earliest printmaking medium to be widely used. The design is drawn on the blank surface of the wood, and the part that is to be unprinted is cut away with a gouge or knife, leaving the remainder to print in ink. This technique is very effective for creating strong contrasts in black and white.
