Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Giuseppe Elena. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Giuseppe Elena’s self‑portrait, executed as a lithograph on wove paper around 1824, presents the artist in a half‑length pose. The figure is rendered against an unadorned background, emphasizing the sitter’s face and attire. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C., and exemplifies early nineteenth‑century printmaking practices.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a man with tightly curled hair, a solemn expression, and a white collar that emerges from a dark, high‑collared jacket. His right hand clasps a small object—interpreted as either a pipe or a drawing implement—while his left hand rests on his chest, suggesting a contemplative self‑examination typical of portraiture of the period.
Technique & Style
Created with lithographic stones, Elena employed soft, gradated shading to achieve a sketch‑like quality, allowing the figure’s features to emerge with subtle tonal variation. The use of wove paper provides a smooth surface that captures fine lines, while the plain background isolates the sitter, reinforcing the intimate, almost documentary character of the work.
History & Provenance
The lithograph dates to circa 1824, a time when lithography was gaining popularity among European artists for its capacity to reproduce detailed drawings. After changing hands through private collections, the piece entered the National Gallery of Art, where it remains on display as a representative example of early Italian print portraiture.
Artist & collection
