Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an oil painting by Carlos Esquivel y Rivas. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Carlos Esquivel y Rivas painted his Self-portrait in 1856 using oil on canvas. This work captures the artist himself, surrounded by objects indicative of his profession and intellectual life. The painting is a significant example of 19th-century portraiture and is currently part of the collection at the Museo del Prado, where it offers insight into the artist's personal and professional identity.
Subject & Meaning
Esquivel y Rivas presents himself as a thoughtful figure, dressed in a dark coat and white collar, holding a small drawing and a brush.
Esquivel y Rivas presents himself as a thoughtful figure, dressed in a dark coat and white collar, holding a small drawing and a brush. He is seated at a cluttered artist's table, which features a broken bust, a palette, papers, a book, and an inkwell. These elements collectively emphasize his identity as both a painter and an intellectual, surrounded by the tools and symbols of his creative and scholarly endeavors.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a dramatic lighting technique known as chiaroscuro, illuminating his face sharply from the side while leaving the background in deep shadow. This contrast enhances the sculptural quality of his features and creates a sense of introspection and intensity. The dark background also serves to highlight the subject and the warm glow of the ornate gold frame, drawing the viewer's focus to the central figure.
History & Provenance
Created in 1856, this Self-portrait by Carlos Esquivel y Rivas has been preserved as a key work within his oeuvre. It is housed in the esteemed collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Its presence there underscores its recognized artistic merit and its importance as a record of the artist's own image and professional context during the mid-19th century.
Artist & collection
