Impressionistic Self Portrait Christian Riese Lassen

The composition presents a figure rendered in a style characterized by expressive brushwork and a limited palette dominated by blues, reds, and whites. The subject appears to be a self-portrait, depicted from the chest upwards against a dark, almost black background that absorbs light and creates a sense of isolation.
Here we see a face marked by an intense gaze directed towards the viewer. The eyes are narrow, conveying a feeling of introspection or perhaps melancholy. The mouth is set in a neutral expression, contributing to the overall somber mood. The artist has employed thick impasto strokes to build up the form of the face and neck, emphasizing texture and creating a sense of physicality.
The hair, rendered with swirling brushstrokes of blue and white, frames the face loosely, suggesting movement or agitation. A significant portion of the figure’s upper body is visible, painted in similar vibrant hues that contrast sharply with the dark backdrop. The color choices are not naturalistic; instead, they seem intended to convey emotional states rather than a literal representation of appearance.
The limited tonal range and the absence of background details focus attention entirely on the subjects face and posture. This concentrated view suggests an exploration of inner turmoil or psychological complexity. The use of bold colors, while seemingly vibrant, contributes to a feeling of unease and tension. It is possible that the artist sought to portray not just a likeness but also a sense of vulnerability and introspection through this unconventional color scheme and expressive technique.