Self Portrait

Although the self-portraits are a few of Leonardo da Vinci's most well-known paintings, they are seldom known to the general public and are highly regarded by the art world. This Self Portrait is supposed to have been created by Leonardo da Vinci when he was around 60 years old. The image, which has been widely copied, has come to symbolize Leonardo as a multitalented individual or "Renaissance Man". Despite this, several historians and academics differ on who the sitter actually is.

Red chalk is used to sketch the portrait on paper. An old man's head is seen in three-quarter perspective with his face oriented toward the spectator. The individual stands out for having lengthy hair and a beard that flows over his shoulders and chest. The length of the hair and beard, which is unusual in Renaissance portraiture, symbolizes a person of sagacity much as it does now. The face is characterized by deep brow creases, bags behind the eyes, and a slightly aquiline nose. The grooves from the nostrils had become deeper, as if the man had lost his upper front teeth. The figure's eyes do not meet the viewer's eyes; instead, they are hidden behind long eyebrows and look forward.