Artwork
Self-portrait with a Book
Self-portrait with a Book is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Jacopo Tintoretto's 'Self-portrait with a Book' is a 1593 oil painting exemplifying the artist's mature style. The work is a representation of the artist himself, showcasing his skill and intellectual pursuits.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Tintoretto as an older man with a contemplative expression, his face and hands illuminated against a dark background. The artist's clasped hands and downward-cast eyes convey a sense of introspection, while the book he holds suggests a connection between his artistic and intellectual endeavors.
Technique & Style
Tintoretto's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing attention to the subject's face and hands. The artist's bold and expressive brushwork, characteristic of his 'Furioso' nickname, contributes to the overall mood of contemplation and introspection.
History & Provenance
The painting is now part of the Uffizi Gallery's collection. Created in 1593, it represents Tintoretto's later work, showcasing his established style within the Venetian school and the Mannerist tradition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian: ; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.
