Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Joseph Matthäus Aigner in 1863.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Self-portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Joseph Matthäus Aigner , 1863

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Joseph Matthäus Aigner. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1863, this oil on canvas self‑portrait presents the artist Joseph Matthäus Aigner at a mature age. The work belongs to the Realist tradition of the mid‑nineteenth century and is part of the collection of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows Aigner himself, his gaze directed outward with a solemn demeanor. Dark hair frames a face marked by a pair of thick spectacles, suggesting a scholarly or professional identity. The plain, dim background eliminates distractions, concentrating attention on the sitter’s expression and attire.

Technique & Style

Aigner employs smooth, blended brushwork to render subtle variations in skin tone, while the reflective surface of the glasses captures a faint glint of light. The overall handling reflects Realist concerns for accurate, unidealized representation, and the subdued palette reinforces the portrait’s intimate, contemplative mood.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the portrait has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s permanent collection. Its presence there situates the work among other nineteenth‑century Austrian artworks, providing a reference point for the artist’s personal and professional milieu.