Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Maria Louisa Catherine Cecilia Cosway in 1790.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Uffizi Gallery.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Maria Louisa Catherine Cecilia Cosway , 1790

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Maria Louisa Catherine Cecilia Cosway. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery. Created in 1790, this oil painting presents the artist herself in a half‑length format.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1790, this oil painting presents the artist herself in a half‑length format. The composition centers on a woman turned toward the viewer, her expression composed and neutral. She is dressed in a red gown with a white collar and a modest white head covering, set against a darkened backdrop that emphasizes her presence.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a personal declaration, portraying the painter as both creator and subject. By presenting herself in refined attire, she signals her status within artistic and intellectual circles of the late eighteenth century, aligning her identity with the cultured milieu of portraiture and the broader Enlightenment network in which she was active.

Technique & Style

Employing pronounced chiaroscuro, the artist models the face and garments with bright illumination while the surrounding space recedes into shadow. This contrast generates a three‑dimensional effect typical of Rococo sensibilities, yet the restrained palette and subdued drama hint at a transition toward the more measured aesthetics of the period.

History & Provenance

The painter, Maria Luisa Caterina Cecilia Cosway, was an Italian‑English artist noted for portraiture, music, and education. She exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts and maintained patronage across England, France, and Italy. The self‑portrait reflects her professional visibility and has remained associated with her legacy within European Enlightenment art circles.