The artwork titled “Self Portrait” was created by the artist Giorgio de Chirico, circa 1925, in Paris, France. It is an oil painting on canvas and currently resides within a private collection. Although de Chirico is chiefly associated with the Metaphysical art movement, this work is categorized under the Neo-baroque genre. As the genre suggests, it presents the artist’s own likeness as the subject matter of the self-portrait.
The self-portrait by Giorgio de Chirico captures the artist with a penetrating gaze that confronts the viewer. De Chirico is depicted in muted colors, with a chiaroscuro effect that lends a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, characteristic of the baroque influence. The artist’s face shows a solemn expression, and his head is turned to offer a three-quarter view. He appears to be seated, with his right elbow resting on a surface, adding to the contemplative mood of the portrait. There is a textural quality to the brushwork, particularly observable in the rendering of his garment, which adds depth and a certain ruggedness to the composition. The background, while indistinct, complements the introspective quality of the portrait. Giorgio de Chirico’s “Self Portrait” is a profound exploration of self-representation, imbued with the emotional gravity and stylistic elements of the Neo-baroque movement.
