Artwork
Autoportret cu lulea
Autoportret cu lulea is a print by Iosif Iser. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania.
About this work
Overview
Autoportret cu lulea is an oil portrait executed around 1850 by the Romanian painter Iosif Iser. The work presents a close‑up view of a male sitter, rendered against a uniform red background. The composition focuses on the face, which is illuminated from one side, creating a stark contrast between light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is depicted with a solemn expression, his features defined by deep shadows under the cheekbones and nose. He wears a dark jacket over a light‑collared shirt, suggesting a formal or professional attire. The direct, unembellished portrayal invites contemplation of the individual’s character rather than narrative symbolism.
Technique & Style
Iser employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, using side lighting to model the facial planes. Thick, visible brushstrokes are evident on the skin and clothing, while portions of the surface appear unfinished, with smudged or scratched areas that reveal the artist’s hand. The flat red ground provides a minimal context, emphasizing the figure.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1850, the portrait belongs to Iser’s early oeuvre, a period when he was developing his personal approach to portraiture. Details of its ownership history are not documented in the available sources, and the work is presently catalogued as an image file rather than a displayed object.
Artist & collection
