Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Joshua Reynolds in 1775.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Uffizi Gallery.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Self-portrait by Joshua Reynolds (1775) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

The background of the painting is dark, which helps to draw attention to the artist's face and clothing.

This painting is a self-portrait of the artist, created in 1775. The artist is depicted wearing a red robe over a white shirt, with a black hat on his head. He holds a rolled-up piece of paper in his right hand.

The artist's face is the main focus of the painting, with his eyes looking directly at the viewer. The background of the painting is dark, which helps to draw attention to the artist's face and clothing. The overall effect of the painting is one of simplicity and elegance.

If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth, you might want to explore the work of other artists who have used this technique, such as Caravaggio or Rembrandt.

Overview

Created in 1775, this oil on canvas presents the artist Joshua Reynolds in a self‑portrait now housed in the Uffizi Gallery. The work shows Reynolds in a formal stance, his gaze meeting the viewer, and is framed by a dark background that accentuates his face and attire.

Subject & Meaning

Reynolds portrays himself wearing a red robe over a white shirt, topped with a black hat, and holding a rolled document in his right hand. The direct eye contact and restrained composition convey a sense of personal authority and the professional identity he cultivated as a leading figure in British art.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated facial features and clothing against a deep, shadowed backdrop to model form and suggest volume. Executed in the Rococo idiom, the brushwork balances decorative richness, evident in the robe’s texture, with a restrained overall elegance.

History & Provenance

Reynolds, knighted in 1769 and the inaugural president of the Royal Academy of Arts, produced this portrait toward the end of his career. After remaining in private hands, it entered the Uffizi’s collection, where it contributes to the museum’s representation of 18th‑century European portraiture.

Context

At the time of its creation, Reynolds was at the height of his influence, shaping the standards of English portraiture. The self‑portrait reflects both his personal status and the broader cultural shift toward institutionalized art education embodied by the Royal Academy.