Artwork

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait, by Johann Salomon Wahl, oil, 1755
Self-Portrait, by Johann Salomon Wahl, oil, 1755

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Johann Salomon Wahl. It dates from 1755 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

His gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying an air of studied self-assurance characteristic of mid-eighteenth-century portrait practice.

The painting depicts Johann Salomon Wahl as the sole subject, shown in three-quarter view turned slightly to the right. His gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying an air of studied self-assurance characteristic of mid-eighteenth-century portrait practice. The restrained palette and smooth handling emphasize the sitter’s facial features and clothing rather than elaborate surroundings, focusing attention on the artist’s identity and presence.

As a self-portrait, the work functions as a declaration of professional status and artistic skill, positioning Wahl within the lineage of painters who used their own image to assert mastery and legacy.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1755, this self-portrait by Johann Salomon Wahl is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 74 cm in height and 63 cm in width. As a portrait genre piece, it depicts the artist himself as the primary subject. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

History & Provenance

Johann Salomon Wahl created the oil-on-canvas self-portrait in 1755. The work depicts the artist himself and is classified as a portrait genre painting. Currently, the piece is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The dimensions of the canvas are 74 cm in height and 63 cm in width.

Overview

Created in 1755, this oil painting is a self‑portrait by Johann Salomon Wahl, a German artist who later served as a court painter in Denmark. Executed in the Rococo idiom, the work is part of the Statens Museum for Kunst’s collection and presents the artist in a poised, formal manner.

Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait, Unknown

Artist & collection

Portrait of Johann Salomon Wahl

Artist

Johann Salomon Wahl

Johann Salomon Wahl (1689, Chemnitz, Electorate of Saxony – 5 December 1765, Copenhagen) was a German artist who became a court painter in Denmark.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Johann Salomon Wahl in 1755.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Rococo painting.