2. SELF PORTRAITS
 A self portrait is representation of the artist, in
any medium, as represented by the artist.
 This trend of creating self portraits first started in
the mid 15th century when artists started to
depict themselves as the main subject or an
important character in their works.
 The purpose of self portraits is debated: some
historians say that the self portrait emerged as a
tool for self promotion, while others say it’s a
tool for analyzing the self.
3. • 1471-1528
DURER
• Northern Renaissance
• His self portraits show
confidence and a high
skill level.
• Typical of the Northern
Renaissance due to:
• Extreme detail
• Subject matter: a
common person in a
domestic setting:
reflection of higher
wealth in the
bourgeoisie
• Color palate: mostly
Self Portrait at 26: 1497 neutral colors
4. • 1606-1669
• Bourgeoisie Baroque
• His self portraits were
windows into the events
and themes of his life.
• Typical of the
Bourgeoisie Baroque
due to:
• Simplicity and
modesty
• Emotional appeal: the
look in his eyes draws
the viewer in
• Dramatic lighting
REMBRANDT Self Portrait at the age of 63: 1669
5. DAVID
• 1748-1825
• Neoclassicism
• This self portrait
portrays David as a
dashing, serious
painter with none of
the flaws that held him
back in real life, such
as the tumor on his
face.
• Typical of the
Neoclassicism
movement due to:
• Serious emotions
• Darker colors
• Classic pose
Self Portrait: 1794
6. • 1853-1890
• Post Impressionist
• His self portraits
seemed to be windows
into the turmoil of his
mind.
• Typical of the Post
Impressionist
movement due to:
• Vibrant, unusual
colors
• Impasto (thick paint
remaining on the
canvas) technique
• Bold, curving lines
VAN GOGH Self Portrait: 1889
7. PICASSO
• 1881-1973
• Cubism
• The way the eyes are
portrayed in this self
portrait as well as the
simplicity is said to
symbolize the energy that
Picasso was feeling at
this point in his career.
• Typifies cubism due to:
• Simplification of subject
into geometric forms
• Basic colors: black,
gray and brown
Self Portrait: 1907
8. • 1907-1954
• Mexican folk art, some elements of
surrealism
• This self portrait, one of many, has
both Christian and traditional Aztec
imagery in it. Some have asserted
that with the religious imagery, Kahlo
was attempting to portray herself as
a god-like entity.
• Typical surrealist qualities include:
• Characterization of the inner self or
id
• Theme of the painting stems from
belief that it reflects her inner self
• Typical folk art characteristics
include:
• Symbolism from religion
KAHLO
• Animals and plants native to Mexico
Self Portrait with Thorn Necklace and
Hummingbird: 1940
9. • 1928-1987
WARHOL
• American Pop Art
• This self portrait was done nine
months before his death and is
thought to symbolize the
separation of the public and
private man.
• Typical of the pop art
movement due to:
• Element of pop culture: the
artist himself (an ironic
statement)
• Dramatic element, in this
case, color
• Multitude of colors creates an
impersonal feel while at the
same time piquing the interest
of the public due to the
Self Portrait: 1986
obvious emotion
10. • 1894-1978
• Realist/Caricature
• This self portrait
features not one but
three portrayals of the
artist. In the realm of
self portraits, this one is
probably one of the
least self-analytical.
• Typifies realism
through:
• Extremely accurate
details
• No exaggeration
• Realistic colors
ROCKWELL Triple Self Portrait: 1960
11. SELF PORTRAITS
 What’s the real purpose?
 In my opinion, the self portrait is a tool to examine
who you are as a person.
 How do self portraits examine the self?
 Even though they’re not always accurate portrayals
of the person, it’s evident through psychological
examination how these people saw themselves.
 Why study self portraits?
 To give us insight into the minds of these artists and
help us contrast styles not only in schools of art, but
in ways to portray one’s self.
12. SELF PORTRAITS
 Studying self portraits fascinates me.
 Seeing how the artist sees themselves
through their own eyes is enlightening and
refreshing.
 My favorite self portrait that I studied was
that of Van Gogh. The way he paints his face
really gives you insight into the depth of
emotion and the intellectual torment he was
undergoing.
