Artwork
Self-portrait in a room

Self-portrait in a room is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Aleksander Kokular. It dates from 1830 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Aleksander Kokular's 'Self-portrait in a room' is an oil painting from 1830, exemplifying the Biedermeier style. It is a portrait of the artist within a richly detailed interior.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Kokular seated at a desk in a study filled with artworks, books, and dark wood furniture. His face is turned away, obscuring his expression, while his formal attire suggests a scholarly or artistic persona.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Kokular's skill in capturing intricate details and textures, from the brass handles on the furniture to the varied paintings on the walls. The use of chiaroscuro is evident in the contrast between the sunlight and the darker elements of the room.
History & Provenance
Created by Kokular, a co-founder of the School of Fine Arts in Warsaw and a notable figure in Polish art and Freemasonry, the painting is now part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aleksander Kokular (9 August 1793 – 6 April 1846) was a Polish painter, art collector and teacher.



















