Artwork

Self-portrait

Self-portrait, by Jan August Hendrik Leys, oil, 1866
Self-portrait, by Jan August Hendrik Leys, oil, 1866

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan August Hendrik Leys. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

This portrait depicts an older man with a long white beard and hair, dressed in a black jacket and white shirt.

This portrait depicts an older man with a long white beard and hair, dressed in a black jacket and white shirt. He is turned slightly to the left, gazing directly at the viewer. The background is dark, with a faintly visible scene of people in a room.

The subject's attire and hairstyle suggest a formal or professional setting, possibly from the 19th century. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the portrait.

To learn more about the artist behind this self-portrait, explore the works of Jan August Hendrik Leys.

Overview

Jan August Hendrik Leys's 1866 oil-on-canvas Self-portrait is a representative work of Belgian Realism, showcasing the artist's mature style.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Leys as an older man with a long white beard, dressed formally in a black jacket and white shirt, gazing directly at the viewer. The dark background contains a faintly visible interior scene.

Technique & Style

Leys employs chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality in the portrait, characteristic of his realistic approach.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held by the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, reflecting Leys's established reputation in Europe during his lifetime.

Legacy

Leys's style had a significant influence on artists across Europe, indicating his importance in the development of Realist painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan August Hendrik Leys

Artist

Jan August Hendrik Leys

Henri Leys, Hendrik Leys or Jan August Hendrik, Baron Leys (18 February 1815 – 26 August 1869) was a Belgian painter and printmaker.