Self-portrait by Lee Krasner, c.1928
|© The Pollock-Krasner Foundation. Courtesy the Jewish Museum, New
York
Reflections on a Self-portrait
by Lee Krasner, c.1928
She looks at me, the
viewer;
with an expression of what —
disdain? But, no, it
can't be
that — she doesn't know me
It must be
concentration —
yes, that's it. She is painting,
focusing on
what she's doing;
perhaps I am a distraction
No, it's not
that either, because
there is no one else there; only
the
artist at her easel in the
garden and a mirror
Ah, yes, so
that's it. She studies
her reflection as she directs her
brush,
pouting, thoughtful
Does she like what she sees?
Broad nose, high cheekbones,
arched eyebrows, deep-set
eyes;
ears a little on the large side,
but at least they serve
to hold
back her dull-brown hair; long,
elegant neck I imagine
might
look distinguished in a high-
necked winter dress or
sweater
I am only a stranger; so she'll
not be seeking my
opinion,
but to me her face is interesting,
one I'd have liked
to know the
person that lies behind. So much
talent, so
much imagination, so
much creative drive. Only now
do I glance
at what she wears as
she paints — practical,
unpretentious
clothes for practising her art — I
like that.
It makes me wonder: is
blue one of her favourite colours?
Carola Huttmann, 26 February 2022
