Before the smartphone, you needed someone to either take your picture with a camera, or sit down and have an artist paint your portrait.  Today, smartphone selfies are a phenomenon capturing self portraits by the millions. But self portraits have actually been around since artists first began seeing their own images in the mirror.

In the late 1700’s, Spanish artist Francisco de Goya painted at least three pictures of himself – self portraits, canvas selfies. Art collectors date some of the oldest preserved canvas selfies to the late 1300’s.  Today, almost everyone with a smartphone either has someone take their picture, or snaps their own selfies.

Just For Fun?

Most agree selfies are lots of fun.  But some say all these selfies are nothing more than vanity. Others say it’s a clear sign of narcissism.  Recent studies seem to indicate the amount of time looking at other people’s selfies causes image problems for some.