Artwork
Selbstbildnis mit Brille
Selbstbildnis mit Brille is an unspecified painting by the Symbolist artist Albert Welti. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
If you're interested in learning more about the artist's technique, you might want to explore the use of chiaroscuro in portrait painting.
This painting depicts a man with short, dark hair and a mustache, wearing a dark jacket over a light-colored shirt. He is turned slightly to his right, gazing directly at the viewer.
The man's attire and the style of the painting suggest a formal portrait from the late 19th century. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the subject's face.
If you're interested in learning more about the artist's technique, you might want to explore the use of chiaroscuro in portrait painting.
Overview
Created in 1896, the oil painting *Selbstbildnis mit Brille* presents the Swiss artist Albert Welti looking directly at the viewer. The work belongs to a series of self‑portraits that examine personal introspection, a concern typical of the Symbolist tendency of the period. It is presently owned by the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
Welti portrays himself with short dark hair, a moustache and spectacles, dressed in a dark jacket over a light shirt. His slight turn to the right and steady gaze invite contemplation, suggesting an inward focus on perception and thought rather than external display, aligning with Symbolist interests in the inner life.
Technique & Style
The portrait employs a restrained palette and careful modeling of light and shadow to give the face a three‑dimensional quality. Subtle contrasts reminiscent of chiaroscuro enhance the facial features, while the overall composition retains the calm, measured tone characteristic of late‑19th‑century formal portraiture.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the self‑portrait entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Swiss Symbolist artists and provides insight into Welti’s broader oeuvre of introspective works.
Artist & collection
Artist
Albert Welti (18 February 1862 – 7 June 1912) was a Swiss painter and etcher. Many of his works depicted dreams or nightmares.
![Obwaldner Landsgemeinde [erstes Bild, links], by Albert Welti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/albert-welti--obwaldner-landsgemeinde-erstes-bild-links--6c1b18382095e99f-w320.webp)
