Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an ink print by Mortimer Menpes. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right in graphite: Mortimer Menpes imp.; lower center in graphite: Self Portrait
About this work
Overview
Mortimer Menpes produced a drypoint print titled Self‑Portrait in 1916. Executed on laid paper, the work is rendered entirely in blue‑black ink, giving the image a monochrome, slightly antiquated tone. The composition presents the artist himself, captured in a single, direct visual statement.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is a man with a pronounced mustache, a wide‑brimmed hat, and a rumpled suit jacket. A bow tie patterned with small dots adds a subtle decorative element. The portrayal suggests a casual self‑presentation, emphasizing personal attire and demeanor rather than elaborate symbolism.
Technique & Style
Menpes employed drypoint, a printmaking process in which a sharp needle incises lines directly onto the paper’s surface. The resulting lines are ragged and dense, allowing overlapping strokes to build tonal depth and texture. The exclusive use of blue‑black ink enhances the contrast between light and shadow.
History & Provenance
Created during the final year of World War I, the print reflects Menpes’s continued experimentation with intaglio methods. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is documented in several catalogues of early twentieth‑century prints, confirming its place within the artist’s print oeuvre.
Artist & collection
