Artwork
Self-portrait in the 17th-century costume
Self-portrait in the 17th-century costume is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Edmund Perle. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896, this oil painting presents a self‑portrait of the artist Edmund Perle. He appears dressed in attire reminiscent of the 17th century, complete with a high white collar trimmed in fur and a red‑brown jacket. The composition isolates the figure against a dark, unadorned backdrop, directing attention to his face and costume.
Subject & Meaning
The work shows Perle portraying himself as a gentleman of the 1600s, suggesting an interest in historic identity or a personal connection to that era. The serious expression, full beard, and period costume together convey a sense of gravitas, inviting viewers to contemplate the artist’s relationship to history and self‑representation.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a chiaroscuro effect, with strong contrasts of light and shadow that model the facial features and fabric.
Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a chiaroscuro effect, with strong contrasts of light and shadow that model the facial features and fabric. The illumination highlights the cheekbones and collar while deeper shadows recede, creating a three‑dimensional presence within the flat background. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing the refined texture of the fur trim and the sheen of the jacket.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in the late 19th century, the portrait has been part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. The museum acquired the piece as a representative example of Polish artists’ engagement with historic costume and self‑portraiture, and it remains on display as part of the museum’s permanent holdings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edmund Perle painted self-portraits in oil during the late 1800s. In the 1884 version, his face emerges from a dark, unadorned field. By 1890 he stepped into a posed costume, borrowing 17th-century style and props. Both…
