Two Mirrors’ Worth of Self Doubt by Scott Breton

This self-portrait was painted entirely from life using two mirrors facing one another. The artist wanted to observe himself from both a second and third person perspective and explore the tension of self-scrutiny and self-doubt from these two resulting versions.

“It seems fairly universal to experience significant doubt at some point during the process of nearly every artwork, or really any long-term project. I would like to think that this picture can offer some comfort and camaraderie for anyone feeling this, and encourage them to stagger on. I have long admired this compassionate quality in Rembrandt’s ‘Self-portrait as the Apostle Paul’ and hoped to emulate this in my own small way.”

The mirrored composition amplifies this introspective dialogue, reflecting the internal struggle between confidence and uncertainty. The nuanced interplay of light and shadow enhances the painting’s mood, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the artist’s vulnerable and multifaceted self-examination.