Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Adam Elsheimer in 1606.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Uffizi Gallery.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Adam Elsheimer , 1606

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Adam Elsheimer. It dates from 1606 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1606, this oil self‑portrait depicts the German artist Adam Elsheimer during his Roman period. Executed on a modestly sized support, the work is part of the limited corpus of paintings he produced, most of which were rendered on copper. The piece is now part of the Uffizi Gallery’s collection in Florence.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents Elsheimer himself, rendered with a mustache, white‑collared shirt and dark jacket. He holds a palette and brushes in his right hand, a direct reference to his vocation. His gaze turns to the right, inviting the viewer into the studio space and emphasizing the artist’s identity as a working painter.

Technique & Style

Elsheimer employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using a dark background to isolate the illuminated face and clothing. The oil medium allows subtle gradations of light, giving volume to the figure and a tactile sense to the fabrics. The handling reflects early Baroque sensibilities, combining precise detail with atmospheric depth.

History & Provenance

After its creation in Rome, the portrait entered various private collections before being acquired by the Uffizi Gallery, where it remains on display. Though Elsheimer’s output was modest, his approach to light and landscape influenced contemporaries and later masters such as Rembrandt and Peter Paul Rubens.