Self Portrait 1940

Augustus John’s painted self-portrait is a glimpse into a moment of self-reflection, rendered in the rich and subdued tones of browns, reds and blues. I can imagine John standing before the mirror, palette in hand, trying to capture not just his likeness, but his inner self. His gaze, rendered with thick strokes of paint, seems to question and challenge the viewer. The quick, loose brushwork suggests an urgency, as if he’s trying to pin down a fleeting thought or feeling. See the way the blue of his shirt bleeds into the background, blurring the boundaries between the artist and his surroundings? John seems to be in conversation with artists like Rembrandt, of course, but he's also pushing things forward in his own way. Painting is always a kind of conversation across time, a call and response between artists. Each gesture, each color choice, is a contribution to this ongoing dialogue, reflecting the artist's unique perspective. Ultimately, this painting is an invitation to see the world through John's eyes, with all its beauty, complexity, and mystery.