Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an unspecified painting by George Barret, Jr.. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. George Barret Jr.
About this work
Overview
George Barret Jr., an English landscape painter active in the late 18th century, produced a self-portrait in 1798. The canvas is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s holdings, where it is displayed among the institution’s collection of Irish and British art.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents the artist himself, offering a personal visual record rather than an allegorical or narrative scene. By choosing to depict his own likeness, Barret Jr. aligns with the tradition of artists asserting their professional identity through portraiture.
Technique & Style
Executed with the delicate handling characteristic of Barret’s landscape oeuvre, the portrait employs soft modeling of facial features and a restrained palette. Subtle gradations of light create a calm atmosphere, echoing the artist’s broader interest in atmospheric effects.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of Barret Jr.’s career, the painting entered the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own estate before passing through private hands prior to museum purchase.
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Artist & collection
Artist
George Barret Jr. (1767–1842), sometimes referred to as George Barret the Younger, was an English landscape painter, and a son of the Irish artist George Barret Sr.
