The artwork titled “Self-portrait with Death,” created by Jacek Malczewski, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and fits within the genre of self-portraits. It showcases Malczewski’s unique style characterized by the artistic elements of the Art Nouveau period.
In the artwork, the artist portrays himself in a three-quarter view, displaying a contemplative and serious expression. He is depicted wearing a light shirt with rolled-up sleeves, adorned with a vest, and holding a clear goblet in his right hand. The intriguing element of this self-portrait is the symbolic figure of death, which manifests in the form of a veiled figure standing behind the artist. This figure, with an intense and somewhat melancholic gaze, holds a large scythe across Malczewski’s shoulder, its blade close to his neck, thus adding a haunting presence to the piece. The background of the painting is a lively green, which contrasts with the more somber themes of mortality and introspection that the figures evoke. The artwork masterfully blends realistic details with symbolic elements, punctuated by the use of color and light representative of the Art Nouveau style.
