In Self-Portrait at 16, Brandusa Niro offers an intimate glimpse into her younger self, captured with a sense of vulnerability and self-awareness. The figure sits in a relaxed yet contemplative pose, her legs drawn up, and her gaze slightly distant. Dressed in a deep green robe, the subject contrasts beautifully with the warm yellow and orange tones of the background, evoking a balance between youthfulness and the complexities of coming of age. The ballet-style shoes suggest a delicate elegance, while the subject’s posture feels informal, a blend of grace and casual introspection. The soft light on her skin and the vivid green of her attire create a sense of freshness, while her slightly parted red lips and pale, expressive eyes hint at a deeper story beneath the surface. The choice of colors, green, yellow, and orange, reinforces the vibrancy of youth, but there’s a quiet maturity in the figure’s expression that suggests an inner strength. The painting feels like a reflection not just of who Niro was at 16, but of the woman she would become, poised, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her own identity.