A raw and direct self-portrait by Avigdor Arikha, rendered in pastel with a focus on immediate observation and honest representation.

Avigdor Arikha was a painter who prioritised direct observation and the immediate capture of light. This self-portrait, executed in pastel, demonstrates his commitment to the practice of painting or drawing in a single session. By working without preparatory sketches, Arikha sought to record the truth of his own physical presence at a specific moment in time. The composition is stark. Arikha presents himself from the waist up, his body partially obscured by deep, gestural strokes of black charcoal or pastel that frame his torso. The contrast between the dark background and the pale, warm tones of his skin creates a sense of immediacy. His gaze is direct, meeting the viewer with an intensity that is characteristic of his later work. The application of pastel allows for a soft, skin-like texture, while the lines defining his features and hair remain precise and analytical. Arikha moved away from abstraction in the mid-1960s, turning instead to a rigorous form of realism. He often focused on everyday objects, his studio, or his own reflection. This work is an example of his ability to render the human form with honesty, avoiding idealisation. The visible texture of the paper, combined with the layered application of colour, provides a tactile quality to the image. It is a study of light, shadow, and the ageing process, captured with a disciplined hand. The artist's glasses, rendered with thin, precise lines, serve as a reminder of his role as an observer, both of the world and of himself. This print captures the nuances of his technique, preserving the delicate balance between the raw, dark background and the luminous, flesh-toned foreground.