Artwork
Autoportret cu beretă roșie
Autoportret cu beretă roșie is an unspecified painting by Gheorghe Petrașcu. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania.
About this work
Overview
Gheorghe Petrașcu’s 1923 self‑portrait, titled *Autoportret cu beretă roșie*, presents a solitary figure wearing a vivid red beret. The composition centers on the sitter’s face, while the surrounding background recedes in subdued, earthy hues, directing attention to the expressive headwear and the contemplative gaze.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures the artist in a moment of introspection, his expression suggesting quiet thought. The striking red beret functions as a visual anchor, contrasting with the muted palette and emphasizing the individuality of the figure within an otherwise restrained setting.
Technique & Style
Petrașcu employs a textured application of paint, with visible brushstrokes that convey a tactile quality. The use of impasto builds surface depth, particularly on the facial features and the beret, while the overall palette of earthy tones reinforces a somber, reflective atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Created in 1923, the work belongs to the later period of Petrașcu’s career, a time when he explored the interplay of color and texture in portraiture. The painting remains documented in the artist’s catalogue raisonné and is held in a public collection, though specific ownership details are not widely published.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gheorghe Petrașcu painted quiet scenes of buildings, streets, and still lifes in the 1920s and ’30s Romania.
