Elizabeth Jennings writes about this painters unflinching honesty: “Each year · The pouches fill, the skin is uglier.” The poem ends:-
… … … To paint’s to breathe,
And all the darknesses are dared. You chose
What each must reckon with.
And all the darknesses are dared. You chose
What each must reckon with.
You can read the whole poem here, and as with other poems on the excellent Poetry Archive website, hear the author read it, and find out more about her.
Self Portrait at the Age of 63 (Rembrandt, 1606-1669) is in the National Gallery, London (more info). I think this was his last.
How do you feel about the changing face in the mirror? Have you ever tried writing it a letter?