Portrait of Myself and My Imaginary Wife 1934

"Portrait of Myself and My Imaginary Wife" is a 1934 oil painting by Arshile Gorky. This poignant work, measuring 21.7 x 36.2 cm, depicts the artist's own face juxtaposed with that of an idealized woman, possibly a representation of his wife, who he married the previous year. Gorky's style, marked by a blend of Cubism and Surrealism, manifests in the distorted forms and haunting expressions of the figures, set against a stark yellow background. The painting reflects a period of intense personal growth for the artist, as well as the nascent development of his distinct artistic vision.