Artwork

Self-portrait

Self-portrait, by John Singer Sargent, oil, 1907
Self-portrait, by John Singer Sargent, oil, 1907

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist John Singer Sargent. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

This 1907 oil painting is a self-portrait by John Singer Sargent, an American artist based in Europe, known for capturing the elegance of the Belle Époque and Edwardian eras through his work.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Sargent himself, depicted in a dark suit and white shirt, with a mustache and a serious, calm, introspective expression, engaging directly with the viewer. The composition emphasizes the face, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting exhibits characteristics of American Impressionism, notably loose brushwork and a focus on capturing light, though the overall mood here is subdued due to the dark background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1907, the self-portrait is part of Sargent's extensive oeuvre of over 900 oil paintings. It is currently housed in the Uffizi Gallery.

Context

Sargent's work, including this piece, reflects his European training (in Florence and Paris) and his practice of portraying individuals from the luxury classes of his time, albeit here focusing on himself.

Legacy

As one of Sargent's self-portraits, it contributes to the broader legacy of his realistic and detailed portraiture style, influencing subsequent generations of portrait artists.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Singer Sargent

Artist

John Singer Sargent

John Singer Sargent (; January 12, 1856 – April 15, 1925) was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Belle Époque and Edwardian-era luxury.

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Uffizi Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.