Self-Portrait

Suzanne Valadon's 1898 painting, Self-Portrait, is an oil on canvas work measuring 26.7 cm × 40 cm (10.5 in × 15.7 in). It is currently held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The painting depicts the artist with a somber expression, her blue eyes staring directly at the viewer. Her red hair frames a pale face with high cheekbones, and her lips are painted a vibrant red. She wears a red dress with a hint of a purple garment underneath. The background is a deep, rich brown that contrasts sharply with her pale skin. The overall effect is one of both strength and vulnerability.