Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is a print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1942.1025
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection
About this work
Overview
Self-Portrait is a print by Paul Gavarni, created in 1842, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a man, likely the artist himself, with curly hair and a mustache, adjusting something in his pocket. The focus is on his face and hands, suggesting an emphasis on capturing his personality.
Technique & Style
The loose, sketchy lines and soft, blurry background give the print a spontaneous feel, characteristic of a style popular in the 1800s that prioritized capturing personality over detailed representation.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, is evident in the print, contributing to its expressive quality.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier, a French illustrator, born in Paris.
