Who painted Self Portrait?

Self Portrait was painted by Godfrey Kneller in 1696.

Where can I see Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is associated with Barbizon school.

Artwork

Self Portrait

Godfrey Kneller , 1696

Self Portrait is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Godfrey Kneller. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1696, this oil painting is a self‑portrait by Godfrey Kneller, the pre‑eminent portraitist of late‑Stuart and early Georgian England. The work presents the artist in a dark jacket and curly hair, gazing directly at the viewer with a composed, neutral expression. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is rendered in formal attire, suggesting the professional identity of the painter. The direct eye contact and restrained demeanor convey confidence and self‑awareness, typical of artists asserting their status within the courtly and artistic circles of the period.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Baroque idiom, the portrait employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing illuminated facial features against a subdued, dark background. This contrast enhances the three‑dimensional modeling of the head and jacket, while the brushwork remains smooth and controlled, reflecting Kneller’s refined approach to portraiture.

History & Provenance

Kneller, a German‑born artist who became England’s leading court painter, produced this self‑portrait near the height of his career. The painting entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains on display as a representative example of his self‑representation and the portrait genre of the era.