Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Franz Streitt in 1866.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by National Museum in Kraków.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Biedermeier.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Franz Streitt , 1866

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Franz Streitt. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Kraków.

About this work

Overview

Franz Streitt’s *Self‑Portrait* (1866) is an oil painting that presents the artist in a straightforward, unembellished manner. Executed during the mid‑nineteenth century, the work reflects the Biedermeier emphasis on personal, domestic subjects, focusing on the sitter’s face and attire without elaborate background scenery.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts Streitt himself, a middle‑aged man with dark hair, a full beard, and a solemn expression. Dressed in a dark coat, white‑collared shirt and black bow tie, he gazes directly at the viewer, inviting contemplation of the artist’s identity and the introspective tone characteristic of Biedermeier portraiture.

Technique & Style

Streitt employs a pronounced impasto, especially in the rendering of the beard and forehead, where thick, textured brushstrokes give a tactile quality that suggests volume. The dark, uniform background isolates the figure, while subtle chiaroscuro models the facial features, creating a sense of three‑dimensional presence within the flat plane.

History & Provenance

Created in 1866, the painting entered the collection of the National Museum in Kraków, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Central European artists of the Biedermeier period and provides a tangible link to Streitt’s career within the Austrian‑German artistic milieu.