Wikipedia defines a selfie as a “a self-portrait photograph, typically taken with a digital camera or smartphone, which may be held in the hand or supported by a selfie stick. Selfies are often shared on social media, via social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram.”

This form of self-portrait has become very popular, and there are several reasons. The commonest incentive is narcissism or egotistical self-admiration. This is particularly so when the image consists only of the photographer. Other reasons for taking selfies is attention seeking behaviours, loneliness, obsession with one’s own beauty, and low self-esteem.

However there is one psychological study suggesting that taking selfies does not mean one is narcissistic. Yes, there may be a narcissistic element, but this is not the whole story. The authors suggest that taking selfies is a new cultural phenomenon and might be a way of self-exploration.

The posting here takes a very different slant. It assembles a collection famous old paintings where the main character is taking a selfie. This anachronistic gesture is poking fun at the phenomenon!