A true ‘selfie’
A self portait is a form of self expression, where a depiction or representation of an artist is created by the artist themselves. Self Portraits can take the form of a painting, a photograph, a drawing, a sculpture, and other various subject models.
Self Portraits have been crafted by artists since the earliest of recorded times. Created by Jan van Eyc of 1433 ‘Portrait of a Man in a Turban’, is potentially the earliest known documented self portrait. During the mid 15th century Renaissance, which was a significant cultural movement that greatly influenced art and intellectual life throughout Europe, artists became more frequently identifying and depicting their own identity through their art.
Some noteable self portraits include those created by Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol.
I believe self portraits are a beautiful and unique way for a person to view themselves objectively, but at the same time communicate how they view and feel about the world around them. We cannot always express ourselves through words. A self portrait allows a person to open up without having to let anyone in.