Self-portrait 1944

Here we see Eduard Isabekyan's oil on canvas self-portrait, a square composition filled with muted tones and subtle textures. The artist's gaze meets ours directly, inviting a moment of introspection. The painting's structure hinges on a series of contrasts. Note the loose, painterly strokes against the more defined facial features, a duality that mirrors the internal and external aspects of self-representation. The dark jacket frames a lighter shirt and tie, drawing attention to the artist's face, the focal point of this study. The background, neutral and somewhat indistinct, pushes the figure forward, emphasizing presence and immediacy. Consider how Isabekyan uses the material qualities of paint. The visible brushwork and subtle impasto create a tactile surface, reminding us of the act of creation and the artist's hand in shaping his own image. This self-portrait is not just a likeness; it's a constructed identity, mediated through the artist's perception and the very substance of his medium.