Artwork
Self Portrait
Self Portrait is an oil painting by Christopher Williams. It is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.
About this work
Overview
The work is an oil-on-canvas self‑portrait titled *Self Portrait*. Executed in a straightforward, chest‑length format, the painting presents the artist in a dark jacket and red tie, set against a muted background that isolates the figure.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, the artist himself, is shown from the shoulders upward, his brown hair neatly arranged and his gaze turned to the right. A neutral expression and the subdued palette convey a restrained, contemplative mood rather than overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Rendered in oil paint, the piece employs a limited tonal range, allowing the dark background to accentuate the subject’s facial features and clothing. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing the clarity of form over painterly texture.
History & Provenance
Created by American conceptual artist and photographer Christopher Williams, born in 1956, the painting is part of the National Library of Wales collection. Williams, originally from Los Angeles, currently lives and works in Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christopher Williams (born 1956 in Los Angeles) is an American conceptual artist and fine-art photographer who lives in Cologne and works in Düsseldorf.
Self Portrait
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Self-Portrait