Who painted Selfportrait?

Selfportrait was painted by David Richter the Elder in 1708.

Where can I see Selfportrait?

Selfportrait is held by Nationalmuseum.

Artwork

Selfportrait

Selfportrait is an oil painting by David Richter the Elder. It dates from 1708 and is held in the collection of the Nationalmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1708, this oil painting is a self‑portrait by the Swedish artist David Richter the Elder. The work is part of the collection of the Nationalmuseum, where it is displayed among other early‑18th‑century Swedish paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows a middle‑aged man with dark, tightly curled hair, dressed in a brown robe draped over one shoulder and a blue necklace. His gaze meets the viewer directly, and his sober expression suggests a contemplative self‑presentation, typical of artists asserting their professional identity.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting employs a pronounced chiaroscuro that isolates the figure against a deep, almost black background, enhancing the three‑dimensionality of the face and clothing. The brushwork is smooth, allowing a rich texture and subtle tonal variations that model the features with a quiet intensity.

History & Provenance

The portrait has remained in Sweden since its creation, entering the Nationalmuseum’s holdings through the museum’s early acquisitions of domestic art. Its attribution to Richter the Elder is based on stylistic comparison with documented works and archival records linking the piece to his oeuvre.