Who painted Self Portrait?

Self Portrait was painted by Martin Ferdinand Quadal in 1800.

Where can I see Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

Self Portrait

Martin Ferdinand Quadal , 1800

Self Portrait is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Martin Ferdinand Quadal. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1800, this oil painting presents the artist’s own likeness.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1800, this oil painting presents the artist’s own likeness. Rendered in a restrained palette, the figure is seated against a dark backdrop that isolates him from the surrounding space. The composition emphasizes the sitter’s facial features and attire, offering a concise visual record of the painter’s self‑presentation at the turn of the nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a man dressed in a green coat and white cravat, holding a small notebook and pen, suggesting his identity as a working artist. His powdered white hair and faint smile convey a modest confidence, while the subdued expression invites contemplation of the artist’s role and self‑perception within the professional sphere of his era.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Neoclassical idiom, the portrait employs chiaroscuro to model the face, with soft shadows that give volume to the cheekbones and jaw. The dark background functions as a neutral field, allowing the muted greens and whites of the clothing to stand out. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, reflecting the period’s preference for clarity and restrained elegance.

History & Provenance

The painting was produced by Martin Ferdinand Quadal, a Czech‑Austrian painter and engraver who worked throughout Europe. After changing hands among private collections, it entered the State Hermitage Museum’s holdings, where it remains part of the museum’s permanent display, representing Quadal’s personal oeuvre within the broader context of early nineteenth‑century portraiture.