Artwork

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait, by Lié Louis Périn-Salbreux, oil, 1798
Self-Portrait, by Lié Louis Périn-Salbreux, oil, 1798

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by Lié Louis Périn-Salbreux. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, titled Self-Portrait, was created by Lié Louis Périn-Salbreux in 1798. It offers a direct portrayal of the artist himself, a common practice among painters of the era. The work is currently part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art, serving as a record of Périn-Salbreux's artistic identity and presence at the close of the eighteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

Périn-Salbreux presents himself in formal attire, characterized by a dark jacket and a crisp white cravat, with his short, curly hair neatly styled.

Périn-Salbreux presents himself in formal attire, characterized by a dark jacket and a crisp white cravat, with his short, curly hair neatly styled. His direct gaze engages the viewer, while his right hand, holding an indistinct object, rests subtly within the composition. The overall impression conveyed by the portrait is one of thoughtful introspection, suggesting a moment of quiet reflection by the artist.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a muted brown background, which allows the figure to stand out prominently. A notable aspect of the painting's execution is the use of chiaroscuro, a technique involving strong contrasts between light and dark. This method effectively sculpts the form, creating a sense of three-dimensional depth and drawing the viewer's attention to the artist's face, the central focus of the composition.

Artist & collection

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