Artwork
Self-Portrait with a Maulstick
Self-Portrait with a Maulstick is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Henri Regnault. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Henri Regnault’s Self‑Portrait with a Maulstick, executed around 1863, is an oil painting that resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a young male figure, presumably the artist, positioned against a dark, unadorned backdrop that isolates his face and upper body for clear visual emphasis.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter holds a maulstick—a short, rounded‑topped wooden rod traditionally used by painters to steady the hand of the drawing hand. By including this tool, Regnault foregrounds his identity as a working artist, subtly commenting on the discipline and technique required in the act of painting.
Technique & Style
The composition relies on strong chiaroscuro, with a concentrated light source illuminating the face, shirt collar and the maulstick while the surrounding space recedes into deep shadow. This contrast creates a three‑dimensional effect and draws the viewer’s eye to the subject’s expression and the artist’s hand.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1860s, the painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition (specific acquisition details are recorded in the museum’s catalog). Its presence in a major American institution reflects Regnault’s continued recognition beyond his brief career in France.
Artist & collection
Artist
Born in Paris on October 31, 1843, Henri-Georges-Alexandre Regnault was the son of Henri Victor Regnault, the celebrated chemist and professor at the Collège de France.
