Self-portrait
1897
Emile Bernard stares out with an intense, almost weary gaze in this 1897 self-portrait, his dark beard and heavy coat contrasting sharply against a cool teal background. To his left, a delicate white rose blooms in a glass vase, adding a touch of softness to his rugged appearance. The handwritten inscription in the top corner, 'à nos amis de Hollande' (to our friends in Holland), reveals this wasn't just a vanity project but a personal dedication. Bernard was a pivotal figure in Post-Impressionism, famously clashing and collaborating with giants like Van Gogh and Gauguin, and this painting captures a moment of quiet reflection from an artist who helped shape modern art.
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