Giorgio de Chirico

Giorgio de Chirico, Self-Portrait with Shadow (Metaphysical Self-Portrait), 1919

CONTEXT CLUES:

Chirico made many self-portraits, and this one is not his first. He made his first self-portrait a few years early, and on it he wrote "Et quid amabo nisi quod aenigma est," which translates to "What shall I love if not the enigma?"

An enigma is a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Chirico painted several 'double image' self-portraits where he seems to be comparing himself to other things, such as a shadow or statue. Some of his self-portraits also include his mother or brother. Do you think he was trying to help you understand him? Or maybe he's purposely trying to be mysterious and confuse you more?

Other self-portraits by Chirico:

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Self Portrait Gallery

Look through the gallery and choose 3 self-portraits that you personally find interesting. Click on the photos for more information about them.

Pablo Picasso

LEFT PHOTO: Pablo Picasso, Self Portrait , 1896 (age 15) RIGHT PHOTO: Pablo Picasso, Self Portrait Facing Death, 1972 (age 90) CONTEXT CLUES: Picasso was taught to draw from a very young age and was allowed to start taking classes at an art college at the age of only 13. However, at age 16 he dropped out of art school to pursue his own ideas about art. His paintings became increasingly unique and abstract. Self Portrait Facing Death was painted less than a year before Picasso died. He drew himself with huge, wide eyes facing forward and a blue-green skin color. How do you think he was feeling when he made this artwork? More self-portraits by Picasso, in the order they were made:

Egon Shiele

Egon Schiele, Self Portrait with Striped Shirt , 1910 CONTEXT CLUES: At first glance, this appears to be a normal and relatively realistic self-portrait. But look again - Egon drew himself with wide eyes, a huge forehead, and tall hair. The skin colors are also somewhat splotchy and unblended. Egon was known for extremely expressive paintings where the anatomy and poses are exaggerated and dramatic. More self-portraits by Egon Schiele:

Self Portraits

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