Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is a drawing by the Baroque artist Anton Raphael Mengs. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Self-Portrait, a drawing by Anton Raphael Mengs, dates to circa 1704 and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The work depicts the artist with dark hair and a neutral expression, dressed in a dark brown coat, white collar, and black bow tie, set against a plain, dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Mengs himself, portrayed in a serious demeanor. The somber attire and neutral expression may suggest professionalism or introspection, common in self-portraits of the era, aiming to convey the artist's personality or status.
Technique & Style
The drawing features smooth brushstrokes, employing chiaroscuro to create deep shadows and highlights, emphasizing the face and shoulders. This technique, popular in the mid-1700s, directs the viewer's focus to the subject's features.
History & Provenance
Created around 1704, the self-portrait is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though the full provenance history is not detailed here.
Context
The work reflects artistic trends of the mid-1700s, where chiaroscuro was a dominant technique for creating depth and emotional emphasis in portraiture.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this Self-Portrait are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Mengs' oeuvre and 18th-century portrait drawing techniques.
Artist & collection
The Engraver and Goldsmith Jacques Roettiers
Self-Portrait
Self-portrait
Georg Vollrath de Rège, grandson of the artist
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