The artwork, titled “Self Portrait”, was created by the renowned artist M.C. Escher in the year 1918. This piece falls under the Expressionism movement and belongs to the genre of self-portraiture.
The artwork presents a monochromatic depiction of the artist’s own visage. Employing a bold use of contrasts, Escher skillfully molds his face with stark light and shadow. The facial features are meticulously rendered through varying degrees of dark and light, achieving a sculptural quality and depth. The short haircut and the serious expression add to the intensity of the composition, reflecting a profound introspection. The simplicity of the background ensures that the viewer’s focus remains on the artist’s face, amplifying the emotional gravity of this self-representation.