Artwork
Selfportrait
Selfportrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Anselm Feuerbach. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1890, this oil painting is a self‑portrait by Anselm Feuerbach, a prominent German painter associated with the 19th‑century neoclassical movement. The canvas presents the artist seated against a dark backdrop, his gaze meeting the viewer directly. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich.
Subject & Meaning
Feuerbach depicts himself with dark, curly hair, a pronounced moustache, and a modest beard patch, dressed in a brown jacket, white shirt and black bow tie. A cigarette rests between his fingers, adding a contemporary, informal touch. The calm, steady expression and direct eye contact suggest a measured self‑examination rather than overt dramatization.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait employs a restrained palette and strong chiaroscuro, allowing light to model the facial features while the surrounding darkness isolates the figure. Fine brushwork captures the texture of the moustache and the sheen of the fabric, reflecting Feuerbach’s realist approach within his neoclassical framework.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained in public hands, entering the holdings of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it is displayed among other works of 19th‑century German art. Its provenance is documented through museum acquisition records, confirming its continuous presence in the Swiss institution.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anselm Feuerbach (12 September 1829 – 4 January 1880) was a German painter. He was the leading neoclassical painter of the German 19th-century school.
