Artwork
Self-Portrait as a Deaf Man
Self-Portrait as a Deaf Man is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joshua Reynolds. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting is a self-portrait by Joshua Reynolds, a prominent English portrait painter and first president of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Reynolds with his hand to his ear, suggesting he is deaf or straining to hear. His contemplative expression and introspective pose convey a sense of thoughtfulness.
Technique & Style
Reynolds employed chiaroscuro, using strong light and dark contrasts to create a three-dimensional effect. The dark background highlights the subject's features and attire, a red coat with white lace trim.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1775, the work is now held in the Tate Britain collection. Reynolds was knighted in 1769 and was a key figure in promoting the 'Grand Style' of idealized representation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Joshua Reynolds (16 July 1723 – 23 February 1792) was an English painter who specialised in portraits.
Jedediah Strutt
Portrait of a Young Man in a Hat
George Legge, Viscount Lewisham
Michael Novosielski (1750 - 1795)
Portrait of Yakov Bilibin
Edward Swinburne
Fred Terry as Sir Percy Blakeney in <i>The Scarlet Pimpernel</i> by Baroness Orczy and Montague Barstow
John Wilkinson
Jean-Jacques Caffieri
Portrait of Frederik Berregaard
Print Collection