When painting a self-portrait does one paint exactly what is seen or are adjustments made? The reason for the question is that any distinguishing marks on the left, e.g. the hair parting, will be on the right side in the painting.

Ian King replies: There appears to be no norm for this. Whatever a self-portrait originates from would usually affect the outcome. Any self-portrait using a mirror will have reverse imaging, as we see ourselves. From a photograph, the image will be as other see us. In reference to past Masters, Van Gogh's self-images seem to be reverse ones, while Cezanne appears to have adjusted his self-portrait, putting his hair parting on the left, etc. Using a mirror as a source, Henri Fuseli's self portrait defies all the rules, he faces us with his head in both hands, so what did he draw with? In conclusion, the answer would seem to be to use the image you prefer.