The artwork entitled “Double self-portrait in a bowler hat” was crafted by the artist Jean Dubuffet in 1936. It is a self-portrait that manifests influences of the Expressionism movement, which is characterized by its focus on representing emotional experiences rather than physical reality. This genre of the artwork allows the artist to engage in introspection and self-representation.
Upon observing the artwork, one is immediately struck by the dual depiction of the artist, giving the impression of two self-portraits conjoined. Each figure is adorned with a bowler hat, which were quite fashionable at the time and often associated with middle-class propriety. The faces are rendered with strong, emphatic strokes, suggesting a raw and honest approach to self-depiction. Expressionist traits are evident in the distorted forms and exaggerated features, an approach that emphasizes internal feelings over external forms. The composition appears spontaneous, with swift, gestural lines that imply a sense of immediacy and impulsiveness. The use of monochromatic tones serves to underscore the emotional weight of the artwork, focusing the viewer’s attention squarely on the figures themselves and the introspective nature of the piece.