Self-portraits
Self-portraiture is a genre of art, when an artist depicts themself as the subject of the work to express their identity, emotions, and experiences through the artistic creation of their presentation or reflection.
Baroque
Many Dramatic and emotionally charged works were produced by Baroque artists such as Caravaggio, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Artemisia Gentileschi. In order to convey the changes in appearance brought about by aging, Rembrandt van Rijn created a number of self-portraits and his works are known for their emotional depth and creative use of light and shadow.
Renaissance
Artists during this period began exploring the concepts of identity, individualism, and humanism reflecting on the era's intellectual shift. With works from notable artists like Albrecht Dürer, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michaelangelo. for instance, Dürer’s self-portraits are known for their detail and psychological depth.
19th century
Self-portraits created in the 19th century by artist such as Eugène Delacroix, Gustave Courbet, and Vincent van Gogh offer an inside look into their individual identities and personal lives through a variety of themes. Each of these works conveys a unique message in a different style or technique.
20th century
The period saw an evolution in the self-portrait genre mirroring the shifts in art, culture, and society in this period. influenced by psychology and psychoanalysis many artists depicted the subconscious in their works, as well as identity in works exploring its multiplicity, complexity, and distortion suggesting multiple perspectives of the self, like Frida Kahlo, Egon Schiele, Francis Bacon, and Pablo Picasso. And with the advancements in technology The 20th century also saw the rise of photography as a medium for self-portraiture Artists like Cindy Sherman and andy Warhol.
Portrait of a Man in Red Chalk by Italian Leonardo Da Vinci circa 1512-1517. Drawn when Da Vinci was around 65 years old. It is widely believed to be a self-portrait. However, art historians debate over the identity of the man.
Self-Portrait of a Man in Red Turban by Flemish artist Jan Van Eyck in 1433. In a realistic and lifelike image, Van uses the red turban to symbolize wealth while drawing attention to the direct gaze which emphasizes confidence and self-awareness.
Self-Portrait at 28 years old wearing a coat with fur,1500 by Albrecht Dürer. Dürer was a German Painter, theorist, and known for his woodcuts, he made a series of self-portraits at different ages. Dürer's 1500 self-portrait is notable for the skillful realism depicting him in a Christ-like pose and a frontal perspective which was unusual at the time.
Young Sick Bacchus,1593 by Caravaggio. Caravaggio portrays himself as the god of wine, Blending divine with vitality as he was sick in this period which he portrays and emphasizes in his yellowish face and chapped lips.
Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting or La Pittura, 1638-1639 by Artemisia Gentileschi. The painting merges between the Art and the Artist, Artemisia depicts herself as the embodiment of creativity (Allegory of Painting) a bold statement during a negative period for women's rights.
Self-Portrait with Dishevelled hair, 1628-1629 by Rembrandt Van Rijn. Rembrandt sought introspection to know his true self, and he did so by painting himself throughout the years. In this artwork, the Dutch Painter uses dramatic lighting showcasing his willingness to portray himself without idealization.
Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889 by Vincent Van Gogh. The artwork was painted after the notorious event where he severed part of his ear. The introspect and vulnerable work reflects Van Gogh’s psychological and emotional state during this hard period in his life, with vibrant, swirling colors and bold brushstrokes he captures the dramatic impact of his mental health struggles.
The Desperate Man or Le Désespéré, Circa 1843-1845 by Gustave Courbet. The French artist depicts a heightened moment of panic in his life with a strong expression, wide eyes, and messy hair. Courbet was Attached to this particular piece that he took it with him when exiled to Switzerland.
Self-Portrait with a Black Dog, circa 1842–1843 by Gustave Courbet. Courbet presents himself in a reflective pose with a direct and confident gaze, the black dog, which was a symbol of loyalty suggests a sense of fidelity. The painting is a realistic approach to the genre emphasizing Courbet's commitment to portraying reality without idealization.
Self-Portrait with Palette, 1880 by Marie Bashkirtseva. The portrait displays Bashkirtseva with her tools showcasing her deep relationship with her craft, the piece captures not only her physical appearance but also her directness and psychological depth.
The Two Fridas or Las Dos Fridas, 1939 by Frida Kahlo. One of Kahlo's iconic pieces, in which she represent the duality of identity and self-perception, as one Frida is dressed in traditional Mexican clothes highlighting her strong cultural background, whereas the other is dressed in European style reflecting her German heritage and her more vulnerable side. Both Fridas have exposed hearts connected by a shared vessel.
Self-Portrait with Physalis, 1912 by Egon schiele. In an intense presentation of himself, Schiele uses his expressionist style to portray both his self-confidence and fragility. The Physalis fruit also known as the Chinese Lantern Plant is often associated with protection, and the delicate balance between life's fragility and inner vitality.
Self-Portrait, 1907 by Pablo Picasso. This piece was created during the critical moments in Picasso's transition to Cubism, carrying his fascination with African art and the raw style while breaking from traditional representations of reality towards new and unconventional ways.
Self-Portrait in a Green Bugatti, 1928 by Tamara de Lempicka. In the iconic Art Deco style, De Lempicka paints herself at the stir wheel of a green race car wearing a leather helmet, gloves, and a bold red lip, all are statements of independence,luxury, and confidence, representing the modern femininity and reflecting on the role of women in the 20th century.