Self Portrait 1910

Here is a pastel drawing made by Thérèse Schwartze, entitled Self-Portrait. The portrait presents a formal study in muted tones contrasted with the striking blue of the hat. Soft greys and blacks define the sitter's features and clothing, evoking a sense of quiet introspection. The textural strokes of the pastel create a tactile quality, suggesting both substance and transience. Consider the structural composition: the artist deliberately positions herself within a frame that is both intimate and reserved. The direct gaze confronts the viewer, challenging traditional notions of portraiture as mere representation. The hat, an extravagant form, challenges the eye to consider how adornment and identity intersect, particularly for women artists of this era. This self-portrait serves not just as an image, but as a statement about the artist's place within the cultural and artistic discourse of her time, inviting ongoing dialogue and fresh perspectives.