Artwork

Self-portrait

Self-portrait, by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein, oil, 1792
Self-portrait, by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein, oil, 1792

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Friedrich August Tischbein. It dates from 1792 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Its surface condition appears stable, showing no significant craquelure or pigment loss as documented in the Rijksmuseum’s collection records.

The self-portrait painted in 1782 by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein is executed in oil paint on canvas, measuring 46 centimeters in height and 38 centimeters in width. The work depicts the artist himself, rendered with a focus on realistic facial detail and a restrained compositional balance that reflects the formal conventions of late 18th‑century portraiture. Its surface condition appears stable, showing no significant craquelure or pigment loss as documented in the Rijksmuseum’s collection records.

History & Provenance

The painting titled Self-portrait was created by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein in 1782 using oil on canvas. It measures 46 cm by 38 cm and depicts the artist himself. Initially owned by Arnoldus Andries des Tombe, the work entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. The painting is classified as a self-portrait and is part of the museum's European portrait genre holdings.

The Self-portrait by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein, painted in 1782, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Before entering the museum, the work was owned by Arnoldus Andries des Tombe. The painting is executed in oil on canvas and measures 46 cm in height by 38 cm in width. No exhibition history is documented in the available sources.

Overview

Johann Friedrich August Tischbein’s self‑portrait, executed in oil in 1792, presents the artist in a restrained half‑length pose. He is dressed in a dark brown coat and a crisp white cravat, his powdered wig styled high with gentle curls. The composition is set against an unadorned, dark backdrop that isolates the figure, emphasizing his solemn gaze and the subtle illumination across his face.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a personal statement, allowing Tischbein to convey his professional identity and self‑perception. By portraying himself with a dignified expression and refined attire, he aligns with the conventions of portraiture that signal status and artistic competence in the late eighteenth century.

Jean Jacques Caffieri (1725–1792)
Jean Jacques Caffieri (1725–1792), Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Artist & collection

Portrait of Johann Friedrich August Tischbein

Artist

Johann Friedrich August Tischbein

Johann Friedrich August Tischbein, known as the Leipziger Tischbein was a German portrait painter from the Tischbein family of artists.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Johann Friedrich August Tischbein in 1782-01-01.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Self-portrait?

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