by Self-Portraits
Charles Downey at ionarts writes at length about an exhibition he visited in Paris: Self-Portraits at the Luxembourg. These are about 150 artist self-portraits done in many styles spanning the end of the 19th century to all of the 20th, in a variety of media. Images for all of them can be viewed in Aperçu des Oeuvres.
As a printmaker, I was pleased to see a good number of prints done by the big name artists like Matisse, Miro, Kollwitz, Kokoschka, Klee, Hockney, Giacometti, Ensor, Dali, Man Ray. Another pleasant surprise for me was to see Finnish artist Helena Schjerfbeck included in this collection. Enjoy!
Update July 10.04: And here’s Downey’s review, part 2
July 9, 2004 in Art Exhibitions by Marja-Leena
The Apercu des Oeuvres is as good as a box of chocolates, have just spent half an hour having a delicious browse. I think of them all I was most moved by the Degas self-portrait – as an old man. And I had never seen the Gwen John nude before.
M-L, this was such a a treat! I spent my afternoon tea-time “visiting” the exhibition and, as a love of self-portraits, was delighted to see so many paintings that were totally new to me – like those of your Helena Schjerfbeck – what a painter! I went off and looked at more of her work…The Picasso that Downey liked so much was my favorite as I went through, too. Last year I read PICASSO AND MATISSE by Francoise Gilot. She talked at length about his relationship with Matisse and how, as Matisse grew more feeble and closer to death, this deeply affected Picasso. His “quoting” from Matisse, which is how I see this portrait, surely wasn’t accidental even if Picasso didn’t always know (or certainly, didn’t admit) what he was doing psychologically until the paintings were finished, if ever. Anyway, I agree, it’s a great painting.
Anna & Beth, thanks for writing. I’m glad you both found this virtual gallery visit as enjoyable as I did. Self-portraits are so fascinating for both viewer and the artist. In my youth I did a lot of self-portraits, after all one is always an available model for one’s own explorations!
I should look up Gilot’s book. Picasso is known as such a self-centred monster especially to women, but must have had a soft spot for his old friend.
Wow! Thanks Marja-Leena for this link, for the past 10 minutes I have been staring at Henry Moore’s self portrait (a masterful drawing of his hands) and it is amazing how powerful a digital image of a drawing can be when that drawing is honest, emotive, and strong…this note is also to thank you for all the insightful notes you’ve left at my blog, too often I just read this site and click away but I know how nice it is to know people are reading your words and thinking through your ideas, looking at what you suggest…take good care!
Rachael