Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Bertalan Székely. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Self-Portrait (1860) is an oil painting by Hungarian artist Bertalan Székely, blending elements of Romanticism, Academic art, and Realism. The work is a self-depiction of the artist in his youth.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Székely himself, portrayed with a neutral expression, directly engaging the viewer. The somber attire and background convey a sense of introspection and professionalism.
Technique & Style
Characterized by softly rendered facial features and a stark contrast between the subject's dark jacket and the shadowy background, the painting showcases Székely's mastery of chiaroscuro and realistic portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1860, the painting is now part of the Hungarian National Gallery's collection, reflecting Székely's contribution to Hungarian art history.
Context
Aligned with the Realism movement of its time, the piece also reflects Székely's background in History and Portrait painting within Romantic and Academic traditions.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this *Self-Portrait* are not broadly documented, it remains a significant example of Székely's work and late 19th-century Hungarian art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bertalan Székely (8 May 1835, Kolozsvár, Transylvania, Kingdom of Hungary (now Cluj-Napoca, Romania) – 21 August 1910, Budapest, Transleithania, Austria-Hungary) was a Hungarian history and portrait painter who worked in the Romantic and…
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