Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Anton von Maron in 1798.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Neoclassicism.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Anton von Maron , 1798

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Anton von Maron. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Anton von Maron’s self‑portrait, executed in oil in 1798, presents the artist from the waist upward. He is dressed in a green jacket with a distinctive red‑and‑white striped collar, his white hair contrasting with the dark backdrop. The composition centers on his face and the brush he holds, creating a restrained yet refined visual presence.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a personal statement, depicting von Maron as both creator and subject. By positioning the brush in his right hand, the artist underscores his professional identity, while the direct gaze invites viewers to consider the introspective nature of self‑representation in the late eighteenth century.

Technique & Style

Rendered with a limited palette, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the figure against a deep, almost black background. The subtle gradations of light illuminate the facial features and the texture of the jacket, while the surrounding darkness isolates the sitter, enhancing the three‑dimensional effect typical of academic portraiture of the period.

History & Provenance

Created at the close of the 1790s, the portrait entered the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on late‑Baroque and early‑Neoclassical works, situating von Maron among his contemporaries in the German-speaking art world.

Context

The portrait aligns with a broader European tradition of artist self‑portraits that emphasize professional status through modest yet precise rendering. Its use of chiaroscuro connects it to the legacy of Caravaggio and later academic painters, illustrating how late‑eighteenth‑century artists negotiated personal expression within established compositional conventions.