Munch's use of the cigarette and physical decay as a rejection of societal values aroused controversy following the self-portrait's 1895 exhibition.

[3]: 88  Sue Prideaux writes that "Munch appears from the cigarette smoke like a genie from a bottle".

Thus, its inclusion in the self-portrait rejects traditional values and associates Munch with bohemianism and decadence.

Berman also believes that the artist's depiction of himself with a "thin, dissolving body" and "sallow skin" employs physical decay to challenge social and health norms.

[5]: 629  Berman identifies this and other criticism of the painting's potential danger towards society to be motivated by influential thinkers such as Max Nordau.