Self Portrait 1909

This self-portrait by Gwen John, probably from around 1907-9, is like a quiet conversation with herself. The pencil strokes are soft, like whispers, building up the form bit by bit. The gray tones create a subtle, almost melancholic atmosphere, don’t you think? I wonder what Gwen John was thinking as she looked in the mirror. Maybe she was contemplating her place in the world, her identity as a woman, as an artist, or perhaps she was simply observing her own features with an objective eye. There is a gentle sensitivity in the way she renders her face. Notice how the delicate lines around the eyes seem to hint at a world of emotions. The simplicity of the composition reminds me of the work of other artists who sought to capture the essence of their subjects, like Agnes Martin's pared-down abstractions. It’s like they are both searching for something beyond the surface. It shows how artists are always in conversation, each one building on the ideas of those who came before, and inspiring those who will follow.