Portraits

"My intimates have caught me more than once in front of a mirror.

To tell the truth, I was looking at myself and thinking of the difficulties I should have if, one day I should want to paint my portrait. However there was also a bit of admiration in all that - why not? I admit it, I didn't hesitate to darken my eyes a little, to redden my lips lightly, though there was no need for it." (Kuthy&Meyer, Marc Chagall 1907-1917, Museum of Fine Arts Berne, 1995-96, p. 28.)

Chagall was not a man of disguises, although sometimes he did apply make-up when painting his own likeness. He did not attempt to conceal his weaknesses, concerns or fears. Neither did he try to glorify himself. His self portraits reflect the way he saw himself throughout his lifetime: as a painter, as an elegant person in his favorite striped jacket; as a self-assured, intelligent young man; his demeanor serious or smiling.