Who painted Selbstporträt?

Selbstporträt was painted by François Beaucourt in 1777.

Where can I see Selbstporträt?

Selbstporträt is held by National Gallery of Canada.

Artwork

Selbstporträt

Selbstporträt is an unspecified painting by François Beaucourt. It dates from 1777 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.

About this work

Overview

Selbstporträt (c. 1777) is a self-portrait by François Beaucourt, the first Canadian-born painter to achieve professional recognition. Trained in France, Beaucourt primarily worked in Quebec, establishing a notable artistic presence.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait presents Beaucourt in a straightforward, unembellished manner, aligning with 18th-century portraiture conventions. His attire—a dark fur-lined coat, black hat with a red band, and white cravat with a red bow—suggests a cold season or northern setting, while the overall somber tone is emphasized by the dark background.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, employing strong light and dark contrasts to create depth and volume, drawing attention to the subject's features against a subdued backdrop.

History & Provenance

Selbstporträt is part of the National Gallery of Canada's collection, reflecting its significance in Canadian art history.

Context

Created during Beaucourt's established career in Quebec, the work bridges French training with a Canadian context, contributing to the region's artistic heritage.

Legacy

As a seminal work by the first professionally recognized Canadian-born painter, Selbstporträt holds importance in the country's early art historical narrative.

Artist & collection

Artist

François Beaucourt

François Beaucourt (1740–1794) is said to be the first native-born Canadian painter who studied in France with a professional reputation. He was active mainly in the Province of Quebec.