Self-Portrait 1932

David Bomberg painted this self-portrait in oil on canvas sometime in his lifetime. Bomberg, born to Polish-Jewish immigrants in Birmingham, navigated questions of identity and belonging throughout his life. Here, he presents himself in muted tones and shadowed light, evoking a sense of introspection. His gaze is averted, hinting at a reluctance to meet the viewer's eye directly, a gesture that can be interpreted as both vulnerable and defiant. The rough, almost sculptural application of paint emphasizes a raw and honest portrayal, which moves away from traditional self-portraiture, where artists idealize themselves. Bomberg’s style instead seems to convey a deeper emotional truth. Bomberg once said, "I look upon nature and create from its vital force, a living work." In this work, he seems to capture not just his likeness, but a sense of the vital, sometimes painful, process of self-discovery.