The artwork titled “Self Portrait” was created by the artist Edvard Munch in 1886. This oil on canvas is considered an early example of Expressionism, a movement characterized by its portrayal of emotional experience over physical reality. The self-portrait is modest in size, measuring 33 by 24.5 centimeters, and it currently resides in the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway. It falls under the genre of self-portraiture, a genre in which artists explore their own image.
This work depicts the artist himself, which is a common subject for Munch, who often explored his psychological and emotional states through his art. In the self-portrait, Munch’s visage occupies the central focus against a dark, indistinct background. His expression appears contemplative or introspective, and brushstrokes in various hues of earthy colors add depth and texture to his face. The background provides a stark contrast to the more vivid flesh tones of his face, highlighting the features with an almost brooding intensity. The artwork’s expressionist qualities are evident in the way Munch uses color and brushwork to convey a sense of inner turmoil or deep thought rather than a photographic likeness.
