The artwork titled “Portrait of Myself and My Imaginary Wife” was created by Arshile Gorky circa 1933-1934. Executed in oil on cardboard, it represents the Post-Impressionism movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 21.7 x 36.2 cm, and it falls within the genre of portraiture.
The artwork presents two solemn faces, each with a contemplative expression, against a muted, textured background. The male figure on the left, presumably a self-portrait of the artist, exhibits a downward gaze, suggestive of introspection or melancholy. His features are rendered in earthy tones, with a deep contrast between shadow and light, creating a somber, almost ghostly presence. The female figure to the right, imagined as the artist’s wife, mirrors his solemnity. Her visage is subtly brighter and softer, characterized by an ethereal delicacy. Both heads appear to float, disconnected from any physical form, heightening the sense of abstraction and dreamlike introspection. The choice of medium and the visible brushstrokes evoke a raw emotional depth, characteristic of Gorky’s post-impressionist influences.
