Who painted Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis was painted by Franz Schrotzberg.

Where can I see Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Selbstbildnis by Franz Schrotzberg — Meaning & Museum

About this work

This painting shows a man with a thick gray beard and dark hair, dressed in a black coat with a white collar.

This painting shows a man with a thick gray beard and dark hair, dressed in a black coat with a white collar. His face is serious, with a direct gaze that feels almost intense. The background is plain and dark, making his features stand out.

The signature in the corner says "Schrotzberg" and "Wien 1878," which tells us the artist and year. The lighting highlights his face sharply, creating strong contrasts.

Check out the Kunsthistorisches Museum to see this painting in person.

Overview

Franz Schrotzberg’s self‑portrait, executed in oil on canvas, presents the artist in a restrained pose. He is shown with a full gray beard, dark hair, and a black coat trimmed with a white collar. The composition is set against a uniform dark backdrop, which isolates the figure and emphasizes the intensity of his direct gaze.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a personal statement, offering insight into Schrotzberg’s self‑perception at a mature age. The solemn expression and stark lighting suggest a contemplative mood, perhaps reflecting on his artistic career or the broader responsibilities of the painter’s role in society.

Technique & Style

Rendered with a tight, realistic brushwork, the portrait employs chiaroscuro to model the face, creating pronounced contrasts between light and shadow. The muted palette—dominated by blacks, whites, and subdued flesh tones—reinforces the solemn atmosphere, while the smooth handling of the coat’s fabric demonstrates Schrotzberg’s command of oil as a medium.

History & Provenance

The canvas entered the collection of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display. A signature in the lower corner reads “Schrotzberg / Wien 1878,” indicating the artist’s authorship and a possible date, though museum records list the work as dated 1890, suggesting a later completion or re‑dating.

Context

Created in the late nineteenth century, the portrait aligns with the Viennese tradition of academic portraiture, where artists often depicted themselves with a dignified bearing. Schrotzberg, active in the Austrian capital, contributed to the city’s artistic milieu, and this self‑portrait reflects the era’s emphasis on individual identity within the academic art establishment.