The artwork titled “Self Portrait in Golden Cape,” created by the artist Odd Nerdrum, is part of the Neo-baroque art movement. The genre of this piece is a self-portrait and nude painting (nu), depicting the artist himself.
In the artwork, Odd Nerdrum presents himself with a realistic and somewhat somber expression, standing unclothed, with a thick golden cape draped over his shoulders. The cape, elaborate and richly textured, contrasts starkly with his exposed body, emphasizing a profound juxtaposition between vulnerability and regality. The work employs a dramatic use of chiaroscuro, a technique reminiscent of Baroque masters, which highlights the subject’s form with stark light and shadow contrasts, yet immerses the background in deep darkness. The detailed rendering of skin and fabric, along with the earnest gaze of the artist, draws the viewer into an introspective exploration of the self, both physically and emotionally.
