The artwork titled “Self-portrait in Armour,” created by Jacek Malczewski in 1914, is a stunning example of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. Executed in oil on cardboard, this self-portrait measures 54 by 65 centimeters. It portrays the artist himself in the genre of self-portraiture.
In the artwork, the artist presents himself clad in an elaborate suit of armor. The expression on his face is resolute, indicative of a man who gazes confidently at the viewer. His bald head and neatly groomed beard lend an air of austerity, while the slight smirk suggests a hint of self-assuredness. The background is a stark, dark void, which serves to further highlight the central figure. An accentuated detail in the portrayal is a delicate flower tucked into the armor near the artist’s heart, adding a touch of softness to the otherwise rigid composition. The blending of realism with symbolic elements is characteristic of Malczewski’s distinctive style.
