Self-Portrait 

Ivan Albright created this evocative self-portrait with oil on canvas. Albright, who lived through two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the dawn of the Atomic Age, was deeply concerned with mortality. His work often grapples with themes of decay and the ephemeral nature of life. In this image, the artist refuses to offer a softened or idealized version of himself. Instead, he presents an unflinching look at aging. There's a vulnerability in the way Albright captures the minute details of his face – the wrinkles, the sagging skin, and the somewhat weary expression. He seems to be asking, "What does it mean to grow old?" His commitment to realism, pushing beyond conventional standards of beauty, challenges societal expectations. This portrait invites us to confront our own anxieties about aging and mortality. It is a deeply personal reflection that touches on universal experiences.