Artwork

Autoportrait

Autoportrait, by Nicolas de Largillière, oil, 1727
Autoportrait, by Nicolas de Largillière, oil, 1727

Autoportrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Nicolas de Largillière. It dates from 1727 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

The man's expression is serious, and his eyes seem to be looking directly at the viewer.

This painting shows a man with white hair, wearing a red robe over a white shirt. The background is dark, and the man's face is illuminated.

The man's expression is serious, and his eyes seem to be looking directly at the viewer. His white hair is styled in a wig, which was common during the 18th century.

The artist who painted this portrait is known for his use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth.

Overview

Autoportrait, created by Nicolas de Largillière in 1727, is an oil on canvas self-portrait belonging to the Rococo movement. It is housed in the Uffizi Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Nicolas de Largillière himself, dressed in a red robe over a white shirt, with a serious expression and direct gaze. His attire and wig reflect 18th-century fashion.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Largillière's mastery of chiaroscuro, employing strong light and dark contrasts to imbue the subject with depth and volume, particularly evident in the illumination of the artist's face against a dark background.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1727, Autoportrait is part of the Uffizi Gallery's collection. Largillière, who led the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture from 1733 to 1735, was known for his contributions to French painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Nicolas de Largillière

Artist

Nicolas de Largillière

Nicolas de Largillière (French: ; baptised 10 October 1656 – 20 March 1746) was a French painter and draughtsman. From 1733 until 1735, he was director of the Académie de Peinture et de Sculpture.

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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