Self-Portrait 1937

Here’s a self-portrait made with charcoal on paper by Henri Matisse. Look at the smudges and the hazy greys and blacks—you can almost feel the artist’s hand moving across the page, smearing and defining his features. I imagine Matisse studying himself in the mirror, his eyes squinting behind those glasses, trying to capture his essence. You know, the challenge of a self-portrait is so interesting, because you’re both the subject and the observer. He’s searching, questioning, and maybe even wrestling with his own image. It reminds me of the constant negotiation we all have with ourselves. There’s a directness in the marks, a simplicity that speaks volumes. It’s like he's stripping away the unnecessary to get to something true. Even though he's known for his vibrant colors, this monochrome piece shows his mastery of line and form. It’s all connected, isn’t it? How one idea flows into another, inspiring new ways of seeing and creating.