Self image: making a self-portrait (2)

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John Bellany's painting is a 'diptych' which means that it is in two parts, often equal in size, the figures exist side by side on separate pieces of paper. Although it is a commissioned portrait of Sir Roy Calne, it is also a self-portrait. This work shows the surgeon responsible for saving Bellany's life, so in this sense, the diptych is an "extra real" self-portrait, literally a memento mori. The painting is highly stylized, with objects and colours placed randomly in the background.

 

 

 

 

Occasionally artists include mirror reflections when making a portrait of someone else. In this way they can connect their portrait to ongoing work. Van Eyck's Arnolfini Marriage (National Gallery, London) and Las Meninas by Velasquez (The Prado, Spain) are probably the most fêted and wonderful examples of this particular format.

Often photographers will record themselves reflected in a shiny surface. Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976) famously made her self-portrait reflected in a San Francisco shop window. Or see this example of Harry Borden who took a long, thin mirror outside on the grass, making a visual conundrum.

 

Peggy Angus was a friend of the family and includes herself standing by the piano with Ramsay MacDonald's family.

 

Study for Patrons and Lovers of Art by P.C.Wonder includes G.W.Taylor, W.Holwell-Carr, Sir James Murray & P.C. Wonder himself.

 

Here Jerry Barrett is a voyeur at the window viewing Florence Nightingale receiving the wounded at Scutari.

 

Perhaps with this back view Jemima Blackburn provides us with information about her modesty and position in society whilst ensuring her presence in the work as artist and participant.

 

Paul Nash included himself in this musical group

 

 

In a 1914 account , Brooks wrote about the difficulty he had creating the parquet floor in perspective .

 

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