Self-Portrait

About this work

Here’s a man in a dark blue coat, brass buttons, and a bright yellow vest, powder still clinging to his collar. His gray curls peek out from under the white dust, even though powdered wigs went out of style years before this was painted. Smart painted tiny, precise miniatures—small enough to hold in your palm. This self-portrait is bigger, but you can still see his careful hand in every button and wrinkle. The yellow vest appears in other portraits of him, like a signature color. If you like this quiet, detailed style, look up subject: england, early 19th century, mod euro.