Self Portrait. Myself at Work

Archibald John Motley, Jr.'s Self Portrait. Myself at Work captures the artist immersed in his creative process, reflecting his mastery of vibrant colors and dynamic composition. Painted with oil on canvas, the artwork exemplifies the influence of Art deco, evident in its bold shapes and decorative details. Motley, a key figure of the Chicago Black Renaissance and the broader Harlem Renaissance, used his self-portrait to explore African-American identity and artistic expression during a pivotal era in American history.