Self-portrait with a fly

The presence of the fly, resting with bizarre ease on the artist's forehead, is the characterizing element of this unique self-portrait.
A symbol of life like the hornet, the fly painted on the forehead also wants to be an effective exercise of skill, a virtuosic and ironic trompe-l'oeil. Ligabue, suits with waistcoat and tie, presents itself against a country landscape enclosed by houses and trees. The sky, of an intense blue, is reflected in the color of the shirt, lighting up the white beard.