Self Portraits are one of the few ways that artists can leave their mark in the world. However, Self Portraits can be more than just an artists signature, a self portrait is capable of expressing how the artist feels, their emotions, their opinions, and their persona. I think artists often make self portraits for many reasons including, lack of other models, ego, practice, to express an opinion, and many other reasons. On a personal level, as an Art major, I prefer to not make self portraits, I think they often glorify the artist in unnecessary ways that a truely great artist can achive in other ways. In social media today selfies, another form of a self portrait, express a social desire and need to be seen. In many ways selfies are more about making someone look good than about a good picture in itself.
Artemisia Gentileschi
Marie-Denise Villers
Lorenzo Ghiberti
Above are three artists and their self portraits. Although these artists probalby are not the most infamous for their self portraits compared to other artists, such as Frida Khalo, they each have their own unique way. Artemisia Gentileschi's self portrait is remarkable in my opinion simply because of the originality of the portrait, she does not use the typical face forward and cut off at the shouldersbut takes an entirely different approach that can be appreciated as more than just a self portrait. Marie-Denise Villers also takes a slightly different approach however the biggest appreciation I have for this work is primarily the contrast in lighting. Lorenzo Ghiberti made a cast with gold coloring, unlike traditional drawn or painted portraits, making this piece unique as well. The unique ways these artists portray themselves is quite admirable and beautiful.
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