Artwork

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait, by Unknown, unspecified, 1880
Self-Portrait, by Unknown, unspecified, 1880

Self-Portrait is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1880, this self-portrait by the artist identified as 1226_person is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. The work depicts the painter himself, rendered in a half‑length format against a darkened backdrop that includes a window opening onto an urban street scene.

Subject & Meaning

The figure presents a dark‑haired, bearded man dressed in a brown jacket over a white shirt. The direct gaze and illuminated facial features suggest a contemplative self‑examination, while the glimpse of the city beyond the window hints at the artist’s engagement with contemporary public life.

Technique & Style

Employing a restrained palette of deep tones, the artist creates depth through chiaroscuro, allowing the soft, diffused light to model the face and give it a three‑dimensional presence. The contrast between the dark background and the illuminated visage emphasizes texture and volume, guiding the viewer’s attention to the sitter’s expression.

History & Provenance

The painting has remained in the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings since its acquisition, where it is displayed as a representative example of late‑19th‑century self‑portraiture. Its documentation records the date of execution as 1880 and attributes the work to 1226_person without further alteration.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known