Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Luis Menéndez Pidal in 1907.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Post-Impressionism.

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

Luis Menéndez Pidal , 1907

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Luis Menéndez Pidal. It dates from 1907 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Luis Menéndez Pidal’s self‑portrait, executed in oil on canvas in 1907, presents the artist in a direct, frontal pose. The work is part of the Museo del Prado’s holdings in Madrid, offering a concise visual record of the painter at the height of his career.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the artist wearing round spectacles, a dark coat, and a white cravat, his gaze fixed forward with a sober expression. The plain, shadowed backdrop isolates his face, emphasizing his identity as both creator and subject, and inviting contemplation of the painter’s self‑perception.

Technique & Style

Working within a Post‑Impressionist framework, Menéndez Pidal employs thick, impasto brushstrokes that give texture to the coat and facial features. A focused light source illuminates the visage while the surrounding areas recede into darkness, a chiaroscuro effect that heightens the three‑dimensional quality of the figure.

History & Provenance

Created in 1907, the self‑portrait entered the collection of Madrid’s Museo del Prado, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent early‑20th‑century Spanish painters alongside its older masters.

Context

Although best known for genre scenes, Menéndez Pidal’s venture into self‑portraiture aligns with a broader trend among Post‑Impressionist artists to explore personal identity through bold color and expressive brushwork. The work thus situates the painter within contemporary European artistic currents while retaining a distinctly Spanish sensibility.