Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Birgitte Levison in 1858.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Realism.

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

Birgitte Levison , 1858

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Birgitte Levison. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work is an oil painting executed in 1858 that presents a self‑portrait of the Danish artist Birgitle Levison.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil painting executed in 1858 that presents a self‑portrait of the Danish artist Birgitle Levison. Rendered on canvas, the composition isolates the sitter, concentrating on her face and upper torso without any decorative setting. The painting is part of the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Levison herself, her dark hair gathered into a braided bun at the back of her head. She is dressed in a plain black gown trimmed with a white collar, and a red ribbon is tied around her neck. The direct, unembellished presentation suggests an emphasis on personal identity and professional presence.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the artist employs a restrained palette of muted blacks, whites, and a touch of red, allowing subtle modelling of facial features. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, focusing on the rendering of skin tones and the texture of the hair bun, while the background remains flat, reinforcing the figure’s prominence.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, the painting entered the holdings of the Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s principal state museum for visual arts. It remains catalogued as a work by Birgitle Levison, offering insight into the artist’s self‑representation during her active period.