Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Unknown artist in 1838.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Unknown artist , 1838

Self-Portrait is an unspecified painting by the Biedermeier artist Unknown artist. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Self-Portrait (1838) by William Ronald Smith, known professionally as William Ronald, is a Biedermeier-style painting housed at the Museum of Ethnography. Notably, the artist later shifted towards abstract expressionism, founding Painters Eleven in 1953.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the artist himself, depicted with short, wavy hair and a serious expression, attired in a high-collared shirt with a neatly tied cravat, conveying a sense of solemnity and formality typical of the era.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the portrait features rough brushstrokes, particularly evident in the hair and collar areas, contributing to an uneven texture. The plain, dark background emphasizes the subject's face, leveraging chiaroscuro principles to play with light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in 1838, the work is an early example of Ronald's oeuvre, long before his transition to abstract expressionism. It is currently part of the Museum of Ethnography's collection.

Context

While Ronald's later work is synonymous with the abstract movement in Canada, this self-portrait reflects the prevailing Biedermeier aesthetic of its time, characterized by simplicity, realism, and an emphasis on the individual.

Legacy

This self-portrait serves as a fascinating precursor to Ronald's influential role in Canadian abstract expressionism, highlighting the artist's evolutionary journey from traditional to avant-garde practices.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown artist

William Ronald Smith (August 13, 1926 – February 9, 1998), known professionally as William Ronald, was a Canadian painter, best known as the founder of the influential Canadian abstract art group Painters Eleven in 1953…