Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Realist artist Károly Lotz. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1870, this oil painting presents the Austrian‑Hungarian artist Károly Lotz as its sole subject. Executed in a realistic manner, the work is part of the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery, where it is displayed among other 19th‑century Hungarian paintings.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas shows a middle‑aged man with a full beard and mustache, dressed in a dark jacket and a vivid red hat. He gazes directly at the viewer with a solemn expression, inviting a personal encounter that underscores the artist’s self‑reflection and professional identity.
Technique & Style
Lotz employs a careful modeling of light and shadow, using chiaroscuro to separate the figure from a deep, muted background. The brushwork renders the textures of fabric and facial hair with fine detail, while the overall composition remains restrained, emphasizing the three‑dimensional presence of the sitter.
History & Provenance
The portrait has remained in public ownership since its early years, entering the Hungarian National Gallery’s holdings in the early 20th century. Its presence in the museum’s permanent collection reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving works by prominent Hungarian artists of the late 19th century.
Artist & collection
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