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The painting dates from Kubín's Parisian period, where he had moved with his wife in 1912 and where both endured difficult times. The work, which was created in 1912-14, is exceptional for several reasons. The first is the fact that figures (portraits) make only rare appearances in Kubín's work. If he does paint them, there is always a deeper reason than to just capture a likeness. If in this case it is a self portrait, it offers us a view deep into the artist's soul. The strongly expressive painting is created by applying paint in flat, but typical colour. Formally, in addition to Expressionism, it also shows Cubism in its geometrization of forms, but the forms do not collapse in the spirit of Cubism. Another reason the painting is considered exceptional is the fact that Kubín made only a small number of oil paintings in this period. The artist was undergoing a profound existential crisis; he did not have money for paint and canvas, and thus he focused on techniques that were less costly, such as drawing and prints. Oil on canvas, signed "Kubín" on top right. Assessment by Professor PhDr. Tomáš Vlček, CSc.