Artwork
Autoportret
Autoportret is a print by Aurel Popp. It dates from 1929 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Art Cluj-Napoca.
About this work
Overview
Autoportret, executed around 1929 by Aurel Popp, is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary figure rendered in a compact format, drawing immediate attention to the sitter’s facial features and attire through a starkly simplified backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man with a rounded visage and a vivid red complexion, dressed in a white shirt, dark tie, and a light‑toned jacket. The exaggerated coloration and direct gaze suggest an exploration of identity and presence, emphasizing the individual’s psychological intensity rather than external narrative.
Technique & Style
Popp employs a pronounced impasto method, applying paint in thick, uneven strokes that give the skin and clothing a tactile, sculptural quality. Bold chromatic choices—especially the saturated red of the face and the pinkish hue of the shirt—contrast sharply with the muted background, reinforcing the figure’s dominance within the composition.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 1920s, Autoportret entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Its placement within an ethnographic context highlights the work’s relevance to studies of self‑representation and cultural expression during the interwar period.
Artist & collection
