Self Portrait

Archibald John Motley, Jr.'s "Self Portrait" is a compelling portrait created with oil on canvas. Reflective of his vibrant style, the piece showcases Motley’s mastery of color and form, capturing both his individual identity and his contribution to the Harlem Renaissance and the Chicago Black Renaissance. Influenced by Art deco, the painting balances elegance and modernity, emphasizing the bold visual language that defined his work during the 1920s–1940s. Motley’s artistic voice continues to celebrate the richness of the African-American experience through this distinctive expression.