Over the course of his career Albright painted numerous self-portraits, most notably a powerful series executed shortly before his death in 1983. He described his probing, realist style in metaphysical terms, and his self-portraits are among the most searching and penitential produced by an American artist.
The present work is unfinished, and, because of its modest format, apparently a study. SelfPortrait thus lacks the minute finish for which Aibright is best known, but instead reveals much of his working method and approach to form. Comparing it with the frontal likenesses of his self-portraits of 1934 and 1935, one can see a similar use of highlighting to define complex, corrugated planes, a comparable use of exaggerated color, and a common linear movement through the likeness. This painting, however, reveals more frankly the expressionist nature of Albright’s style.
The inscription refers to Hazel Buntman, first wife of Leo Buntman, a dealer and friend of Albright’s, who helped organize the first Grant Park Exhibition for local artists in Chicago.
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