Artwork
Self-portrait

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Anna Bacherini Piattoli. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1766, this oil painting presents a self‑portrait of the Italian artist Anna Bacherini Piattoli. Executed in a modest scale, the work is part of the Uffizi Gallery’s collection, where it is displayed among other examples of 18th‑century portraiture. The composition centers on the artist herself, offering a direct visual record of her appearance and professional identity.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in a brown dress accented by a blue bow, with a matching blue ribbon woven into her hair. She holds a paintbrush and a palette, symbols that foreground her vocation as a painter. Her gaze meets the viewer with a calm, neutral expression, suggesting a contemplative stance that emphasizes both personal presence and artistic purpose.
Technique & Style
Rendered in oil on canvas, the portrait employs a restrained palette that highlights the textures of fabric and the subtle modeling of the face. The background consists of an unadorned wall, a compositional choice that eliminates distractions and directs focus toward the figure’s attire and tools. The brushwork balances fine detail in the facial features with broader strokes in the clothing.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Uffizi’s holdings as part of its effort to document notable artists of the Italian Enlightenment. Though specific acquisition records are sparse, the work has remained in the museum’s collection since the 19th century, serving as a rare example of a female artist’s self‑representation from the mid‑1700s.
Artist & collection


















