Artwork
Self portrait
Self portrait is an unspecified painting by Georgios Kourkouvelos. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Athens School of Fine Arts. The work is a self‑portrait depicting the artist as a young man.
About this work
Overview
The work is a self‑portrait depicting the artist as a young man. He faces the viewer head‑on, his gaze steady and his demeanor solemn. The composition is rendered with pronounced outlines and a vivid palette, giving the figure a clear, immediate presence on the picture plane.
Subject & Meaning
By presenting himself with a direct stare and a serious countenance, the artist conveys a sense of self‑assurance. The portrait functions as a personal statement, offering viewers a glimpse into the creator’s character and the confidence with which he approached his own representation.
Technique & Style
The image employs bold, decisive lines that define the facial features and clothing, while the use of bright, saturated colors enhances the visual impact. Although the overall approach is graphic, the artist’s handling of light and shade hints at the soft transitions associated with the sfumato technique, lending subtle depth to the otherwise stark rendering.
Context
Created during a period when self‑portraiture served both as artistic practice and personal documentation, the piece reflects contemporary interests in individual identity. Its straightforward composition and vivid execution align with broader trends that emphasized direct engagement with the viewer and the exploration of the artist’s own persona.
Artist & collection
Artist
Georgios Kourkouvelos liked to paint himself in a corner, literally—his 1993 Self Portrait has him wedged between two walls, eyes floating above his own shoulders.
