Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an unspecified painting by Francisco Gimeno Arasa. It dates from 1925 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
About this work
Overview
Francisco Gimeno Arasa’s 1925 Self‑portrait presents the artist in his later years, rendered as a solitary figure against a dim, indistinct backdrop. The canvas belongs to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, where it is displayed among works that illustrate the painter’s diverse output across landscape, urban, and portrait genres.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows an elderly man with white hair and a full beard, dressed in a dark jacket. The direct gaze and subdued setting suggest a moment of introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the artist’s self‑perception at an advanced age, marked by quiet dignity rather than overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed with brisk, impasto brushwork, the painting emphasizes texture over fine detail. A limited palette of browns, grays, and muted tones creates a somber atmosphere, while the loosely defined background—perhaps wood paneling or a wall—recedes, focusing attention on the figure’s facial features and the tactile quality of the surface.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of Gimeno’s career, the work reflects his sustained interest in self‑portraiture alongside his better‑known landscapes and cityscapes. After changing hands privately, it entered the collection of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, where it now contributes to the institution’s representation of early twentieth‑century Spanish art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Francesc Gimeno i Arasa (4 February 1858 – 22 November 1927) was a Spanish painter and graphic artist best known for his landscapes, city scenes and self-portraits.
