Selfies may be a riot of new generation, but self-portraits are nothing new. From ancient Egypt to the Renaissance, self-portraits have graced the endeavors of artists at various stages of their careers. All this suggests that the concept of self-portrait, in fact, became popular in the 15th century and since then, artists ranging from amateurs to classical masters painted them in different styles and with varying degrees of accuracy.
Considering that even a novice artist, and later dictator Adolf Hitler painted a self-portrait, it is safe to say that the essence of capture is by no means a new phenomenon. All this speaks to the undeniable truth that some self-portraits are placed above the rest. This can be for various reasons, the artist's own fame, the authenticity of the portrait, or the style that was used to create the model.
Below are the 10 most famous self-portraits.
10. Frida Kahlo
Having left the world of medicine for the world of art at the age of seventeen, Frida Kahlo has certainly left a mark on history. She has painted many self-portraits or herself in various aspects of life, and each of them is artistically beautiful and emotionally attractive to the audience. But perhaps one of her most famous paintings is a self-portrait with a necklace of thorns and a hummingbird.
Like most of her famous paintings, they include images that bring a psychological and physiological sensation of pain. The determination and pain that characterize her life through accidents and divorce are an invisible part of her paintings.
9. Vincent Van Gogh
Having painted over 30 self-portraits throughout his career, Vincent Van Gogh has collected self-portraits that are recognized as unique, individual and surely part of the very cream of the artistic world.
The self-portrait with a bandaged ear is one of two portraits he took after cutting off his right ear, which apparently became the left in the painting, as he used a mirror. This painting is on the list not only because of the uniqueness, but because of the history behind it.
8. Rembrandt
Rembrandt painted many portraits of himself, but perhaps the most famous is the self-portrait with a bent beret. He is considered the most famous self-portrait, as it is iconic for showing his age.
Rembrandt's self-portraits are much more interesting pieces to study when it comes to light, he often asked his students to copy his self-portrait in practice form and develop their own style.
7. Andy Warhol
Known for his four color drawings, Andy Warhol is considered one of the greatest artists of the Pop Art era. The popular green, red, blue, yellow combination of printed photographs visible today can be attributed to him.
He made his self-portrait as part of this series, as well as parts of other works. But it should be noted that his self-portrait in four colors is one of his most famous works.
6. David Hockney
Known for his harsh reality, David Hockney has created many self-portraits that reflect him as a person. The paintings are meant to showcase your observations, candid moments and all the awkwardness that happens to people.
5. Lucian Freud
Many artists have used mirrors as a form of self-perception and have used them to create an accurate or idealistic portrait of themselves - this is by no means a new idea. The way in which Lucian Freud used mirrors, especially in his most famous self-portrait.
He looks intimidating, as in the foreground of the picture are two children, who almost hid behind him.
4. Gustave Courbet
Gustave Courbet is known as a realist painter. His self-portrait, Hotel Le Desespere, depicting a desperate young man. Wide-eyed and disheveled hair, in which realism in painting takes on a new dimension. This is one of the paintings that Gustave took with him when he was sent into exile.
3. Leonardo Da Vinci
The Turin Self-Portrait is the only self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci that has been found. It is believed that a yellow face is associated with the idea of human rebirth. Regardless of its dubious origins, this painting remains one of the most famous self-portraits.
2. Albrecht Durer
Dürer's self-portrait will make all viewers pause and look at the work. Dark background and dark clothing, facial features and skin tone are highlighted. The artist bears great resemblance to Jesus and most critics assume that this was done on purpose. This portrait was painted by Albrecht Durer the night before his 29th birthday.
Critics to this day debate divine resemblance as a form of idolatry or as a way to subtly point out that Albrecht's talent was a gift from God.
1. Claude Monet
The creator of the style known today as Impressionism is Claude Oscar Monet. Monet suffered from cataracts and critics cannot decide whether the portrait was painted in an effort to capture his appearance or it is just a self-portrait in accordance with the spirit of the times.
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