Artwork
Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by John Butler Yeats. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
This 1921 oil painting is a self-portrait by John Butler Yeats, an Irish artist and father of the renowned poet W.B. Yeats. It is part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is the artist himself, depicted with a white beard and hair, dressed in a dark jacket and white collared shirt. His upward and rightward gaze, accompanied by his visible left hand, conveys a somber and contemplative atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The work features visible brushstrokes against a nuanced background of intermingled light and dark tones, characteristic of Yeats' approach to oil painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1921, the painting is now held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, reflecting Yeats' established reputation as a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy.
Context
As a portraitist known for works in oil and on paper, Yeats' self-portrait sits within his broader oeuvre of capturing individuals, in this case, turning his attention to himself.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Butler Yeats RHA (16 March 1839 – 3 February 1922) was an Irish artist and the father of W.



















