Who painted Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis was painted by Hans Gasser in 1852.

Where can I see Selbstbildnis?

Selbstbildnis is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Artwork

Selbstbildnis

Selbstbildnis is an oil painting by Hans Gasser. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Hans Gasser’s *Selbstbildnis* is an oil on canvas self‑portrait executed circa 1852. The work belongs to the collection of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum and presents the artist in a half‑length, three‑quarter view. The composition is simple, set against a muted light‑brown backdrop that emphasizes the figure’s presence.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is Gasser himself, rendered with a solemn, inward‑looking demeanor. His dark, shoulder‑length curls and neatly trimmed beard frame a face marked by a serious expression and downcast eyes, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The high‑collared white shirt adds a formal tone, reinforcing the portrait’s introspective character.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a realistic manner, the painting displays careful modeling of flesh and fabric. Fine brushwork captures the texture of hair and the subtle sheen of the shirt’s collar, while the subdued palette and soft lighting create a calm atmosphere. The attention to anatomical detail aligns with mid‑19th‑century academic portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created around 1852, the portrait entered the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Gasser, an Austrian painter and sculptor born in 1817, adopted the name Hans to distinguish himself from a contemporary artist sharing his birth name, Johann.

Context

At the time of its execution, Gasser was active in the Austrian art scene, balancing painting and sculpture. The self‑portrait reflects the period’s interest in personal identity and the artist’s role, a theme common among mid‑19th‑century European creators.