His Own Face Hidden
His Own Face Hidden - meaning Summary
Identity Hidden in Art
Sandburg’s short poem reflects on Hokusai’s self-portrait to suggest that the artist’s outward image is less important than what he chooses to show. The portrait emphasizes hat, limbs, landscape and laughing farmers, while the sitter’s own face remains concealed. The concluding line—a smile tucked under a hat—implies a private, modest identity and a merging of the artist with his art and the world he depicts.
Read Complete AnalysesHOKUSAI'S portrait of himself Tells what his hat was like And his arms and legs. The only faces Are a river and a mountain And two laughing farmers. The smile of Hokusai is under his hat.
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