Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Futurist artist Giuseppe Amisani. It dates from 1930 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Giuseppe Amisara’s self‑portrait, executed in 1930 on a plywood panel, presents the artist at his easel.
About this work
Overview
Giuseppe Amisara’s self‑portrait, executed in 1930 on a plywood panel, presents the artist at his easel. The work belongs to the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and is catalogued as a painting despite the unconventional support. Its modest dimensions and subdued tonal range focus attention on the figure’s concentration rather than decorative flourish.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays Amisara himself, seated in a brown suit before an easel, brush in hand and palette within reach. A red couch recedes in the dimly lit studio, suggesting a private working environment. The serious expression and forward gaze convey the artist’s dedication to his craft, offering a straightforward visual record of his professional identity.
Technique & Style
Rendered in muted browns and greys, the surface displays visible brushwork that adds texture to the figure and surroundings. The handling of light and shadow hints at chiaroscuro influences, creating a modest contrast that models the form without dramatic illumination. The choice of plywood as support contributes to a slightly rougher finish than traditional canvas.
History & Provenance
Created in the later stage of Amisara’s career, the self‑portrait entered the Uffizi’s holdings as part of the museum’s effort to broaden its representation of early‑20th‑century Italian artists. Its acquisition date is not publicly recorded, but the work has remained on display within the gallery’s Italian modernity section, providing scholars with a reference point for the artist’s self‑representation.
Artist & collection
