Artwork
Selbstbildnis
Selbstbildnis is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Eduard von Steinle. It is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Eduard von Steinle's *Selbstbildnis* (1892) is an oil painting self-portrait from the Post-Impressionist period, executed by the Austrian artist born in 1810.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Steinle himself, depicted with distinctive physical characteristics: pale skin, a bald head, and a long ponytail. His attire consists of a dark coat over a white collar, with his right hand resting on his chest, clutching a small, unspecified object. The portrait conveys a sense of introspection.
Technique & Style
The painting employs strong chiaroscuro, with a plain dark green background that accentuates the subject's face. Light illuminates the forehead and cheekbones, while shadows deepen around the nose and jaw, creating a three-dimensional effect. This contrasts with the more subdued, flat background.
History & Provenance
Steinle trained with the Nazarene movement in Rome before settling in Vienna and Frankfurt. *Selbstbildnis* is now part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection.
Context
Though created in the Post-Impressionist period, Steinle's background with the Nazarene movement (known for its Romantic and religious themes) and his use of chiaroscuro reflect a blend of traditional and contemporaneous artistic influences.
Legacy
The legacy of *Selbstbildnis* is intertwined with Steinle's overall contribution to Austrian art, though specific impact or influence of this self-portrait on subsequent artists is not widely documented in available sources.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Eduard von Steinle (2 July 1810 – 16 September 1889) was a painter and a printmaker.
