Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Paul-Albert Besnard in 1893.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Paul-Albert Besnard , 1893

Self-Portrait is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul-Albert Besnard. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The artist signed and dated it "1893" in the corner, showing it was made over a century ago.

This sketch shows a bearded man in profile, wearing a cap. His face is drawn with quick, loose lines, leaving some areas fuzzy. The paper has a textured look, and the drawing is mostly in black with some light shading.

The artist signed and dated it "1893" in the corner, showing it was made over a century ago. The style looks rough and sketchy, almost like a quick study.

Check out Impressionism for more art like this.

Overview

Albert Besnard’s Self-Portrait, executed in 1893, is a black collotype print on laid paper. The image presents a bearded figure in profile, capped, rendered with swift, gestural lines that give the work a sketch‑like immediacy. The print’s surface texture and subtle shading enhance its informal, study‑like quality.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the artist himself, focusing on the profile of a bearded, cap‑wearing man. By choosing a side view, Besnard emphasizes the silhouette and the play of light across the facial features, inviting contemplation of identity through a restrained, almost anonymous representation.

Technique & Style

Created with collotype, a photomechanical process that reproduces fine tonal gradations, the work relies on black ink and the natural grain of laid paper. Besnard’s hand‑drawn lines remain visible, producing a loose, sketchy aesthetic that contrasts with the precision typical of the medium.

History & Provenance

The print bears Besnard’s signature and the date 1893 in the lower corner, confirming its origin in the artist’s late‑nineteenth‑century period. It remains a documented example of his early printmaking, though further ownership details are not recorded in the available sources.

Context

Produced during a time when Impressionist ideas were influencing various media, the work reflects an experimental approach to printmaking. Besnard, primarily known for painting, explored graphic techniques, and this portrait illustrates his engagement with the era’s interest in immediacy and visual spontaneity.