1915
oil
canvas
From the collection of Finnish National Gallery
Self-Portrait with Black Background is a 1915 oil by Helene Schjerfbeck, held at Finnish National Gallery.
This painting shows a woman's face and upper body against a black background. She has fair skin, brown hair pulled back, and wears a white shirt with a high collar and a round, gray pendant. Her expression is neutral, and her eyes are cast downward slightly to the right. The overall mood is introspective. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's style and technique, look up chiaroscuro.
Helena Sofia (Helene) Schjerfbeck (pronounced ; July 10, 1862 – January 23, 1946) was a Finnish modernist painter known for her realist works and self-portraits, and also for her landscapes and still lifes.
See the richer artist page
