Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Carel Fabritius. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1645, this oil self‑portrait presents the Dutch artist Carel Fabritius at a mature stage in his career. The work belongs to the portrait genre and is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection, offering a concise visual record of the painter’s appearance and artistic concerns during the Dutch Golden Age.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas depicts Fabritius himself, a man with tightly curled hair, a serious expression, and a dark hat tipped to one side. He wears a black jacket accented by a vivid red collar, set against a plain, dark backdrop that isolates his figure and emphasizes his facial features and attire.
Technique & Style
Fabritius applies oil paint with a relatively loose hand, especially evident in the rendering of hair and hat, which appear slightly textured. A pronounced side light creates strong chiaroscuro, casting deep shadows that model the face and give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence.
History & Provenance
The painting was executed while Fabritius was active in Delft, a city known for its distinctive school of painting. After changing hands over the centuries, it entered the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Dutch collection.
Context
Situated within the Delft School, Fabritius’s work reflects the period’s fascination with precise perspective and nuanced lighting. Though a pupil of Rembrandt, he pursued his own experimental approach, balancing the master’s influence with personal innovations in composition and light.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Carel Pieterszoon (abbr. Pietersz.) Fabritius (Dutch pronunciation: ; bapt. 27 February 1622 – 12 October 1654) was a Dutch painter. He was a pupil of Rembrandt and worked in his studio in Amsterdam. Fabritius, who was…
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