Artwork

Self-portrait

Self-portrait, by Daniel Penther, oil, 1870
Self-portrait, by Daniel Penther, oil, 1870

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Daniel Penther. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Self-portrait, an oil painting by Daniel Penther, dates to 1870 and is housed at the National Museum in Warsaw. The work is a close-up depiction of the artist himself.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Daniel Penther, portrayed as a young man with short, dark hair tied back, wearing formal attire consisting of a dark coat and a white shirt with a high collar. His calm yet serious expression, accompanied by a slight frown, conveys a sense of introspection.

Technique & Style

The painting features smooth brushstrokes, prominently used to capture the play of light on the subject's forehead and cheeks, achieving a near-glowing effect on the skin. A plain, dark background enhances the facial prominence, leveraging chiaroscuro principles to create depth and emphasis.

History & Provenance

Created in 1870, the self-portrait has been part of the collection at the National Museum in Warsaw.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Daniel Penther

Artist

Daniel Penther

Daniel Penther (1837–1887) was an artist, born in Lviv.