Who painted Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis was painted by Albert Welti in 1896.

Where can I see Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is held by Kunsthaus Zürich.

What movement is Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is associated with Symbolism.

Artwork

Selbstbildnis

Albert Welti , 1896

Selbstbildnis 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

Overview

Albert Welti’s self‑portrait, painted in 1896, is part of the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich. Executed during the height of the Symbolist movement, the work presents the artist in a restrained pose, emphasizing his facial features over narrative content.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows a man with short, curly brown hair, a modest moustache, and a neutral expression. He wears a white shirt beneath a dark tie accented with blue, and his gaze is turned toward the right. The subdued demeanor aligns with Welti’s interest in inner psychological states rather than external drama.

Technique & Style

Welti employs a muted green background that recedes behind the figure, allowing the illuminated face and clothing to dominate the composition. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, reflecting the Symbolist tendency toward atmospheric restraint and a focus on mood over detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the portrait entered the Kunsthaus Zürich’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Swiss Symbolist artists and the broader European avant‑garde of the period.

Context

Within Welti’s oeuvre, the self‑portrait exemplifies his recurring exploration of dreamlike and sometimes nightmarish imagery, though this particular piece adopts a calmer, more introspective tone. It offers insight into the personal side of an artist whose larger body of work often delved into the subconscious.