Confrontation with Myself 

Valeria Duca created this portrait with oil on canvas, calling it "Confrontation with Myself." The artist presents a self-portrait, a genre historically entwined with themes of identity and self-expression. The direct gaze and clasped hands suggest introspection and a moment of intense self-awareness. The use of dark colors and chiaroscuro lighting heightens the drama, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject's face and hands. It seems to ask: What does it mean to be 'oneself' in the context of modern social pressures? Understanding the artist's background – her personal history, social context, and artistic training – could offer deeper insights into the motivations behind the creation of this self-portrait. Through thoughtful analysis and historical research, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of this work.