Selfportrait 1910

This is Eugène Jansson’s self-portrait, made in oil on canvas. Look closely at the face, at how the paint is layered to bring him into being. I can imagine Jansson in front of the mirror, scrutinizing his own face, trying to capture something true, but how can you ever really capture yourself? There are the warm pinks and reds of the face, contrasted with the dark background. The mustache is the real focal point, isn't it? It almost hides his mouth. What’s he trying to hide? Jansson was a master of mood and atmosphere. It makes me think of other artists like Whistler, who were interested in capturing a certain feeling. The dark colors almost feel like a rejection of daylight, of the world outside, in favor of something more interior, personal. Painting always feels like a conversation with other artists.