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 Few self portraits have appealed to our imagination so much over the centuries as this one. Its not just that this work
is monumental and has great pictorial qualities, but also because of the two circles behind the painter. Many explanations have been advanced for this curious background feature. The most plausible argument links the circles to a theory of art, namely the ability to draw a circle freehand as evidence of consummate artistic skill. Because of its closed form, the circle was associated with perfection and eternity, and therefore ideal as a symbol of artistic excellence.
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