in that particularly astounding earlier canvas, the robert seems to be fixed momentarily under the merciless bathing of an ice light from hell, and he gazes back directly defiant beneath the strange scrutiny.

there is about this new one something i think you may not have intended — and i, a total fucking amateur, barely dare mention it but–

online at least, there seems in this new one a lack of firmness in the mouth which is not you; the accidental illusion is occasioned by a thin perforated whitish line where the lips meet, intended perhaps to indicate moisture but creating instead the appearance of open-mouthed irresoluteness (and/or teeth).

in your other self-portraits this does not appear. but hell, mebbe your nose wuz stopped up

I want it.