“Self-portrait with Skull” is a self-portrait artwork created by Jacek Malczewski. The piece belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and Symbolism genre.
In the artwork, the artist paints himself with a contemplative and introspective gaze. Malczewski portrays himself with meticulous detail, emphasizing his facial features and expression. He is positioned in the foreground, turning slightly towards the viewer, creating a direct and engaging visual connection. In the background, an enigmatic figure draped in a loose garment holds a skull aloft, suggesting themes of mortality and introspection common within Symbolist art. The composition is enriched with a sense of depth and a subtle interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement. The presence of a framed picture in the top left corner adds to the complexity of the setting, enhancing the narrative dimension of the painting. The choice of color palette, dominated by rich, warm hues, and the detailed brushwork reflect Malczewski’s mastery and his ability to convey profound symbolic meanings through his art.
