Artwork
Self-Portrait [recto]
![Self-Portrait [recto], by William E. Winner, graphite, 1880](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/william-e-winner--self-portrait-recto--33f2127f07962012-w1024.webp)
Self-Portrait [recto] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist William E. Winner. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. William E.
About this work
Overview
William E. Winner’s self‑portrait, executed around 1880, is a graphite drawing on wove paper. The work presents the artist from the shoulders upward, rendered with careful attention to facial features and expression. The composition is confined to the figure, leaving the surrounding paper largely empty.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait shows Winner looking straight ahead, his short hair and beard clearly delineated. The direct gaze and restrained pose suggest a moment of personal reflection, inviting viewers to consider the artist’s inner state at the time of its creation.
Technique & Style
Winner employs a spectrum of graphite strokes, from light, delicate lines that suggest texture to darker, more assertive marks that model form and create depth. Subtle scribbles around the head hint at the artist’s hand in motion, while the overall rendering achieves a realistic, contemplative tone through nuanced shading.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1880, the drawing is catalogued as a self‑portrait and remains attributed to Winner. Its paper support and graphite medium are typical of the period’s preparatory studies, though specific ownership records beyond the artist’s own hand are not documented.
Artist & collection
