Artwork
Self Portrait
Self Portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Robert Feke. It dates from 1743 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting is a self-portrait by Robert Feke, created in 1743. It is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Feke himself, dressed in a light blue coat with white cuffs and collar, gazing directly at the viewer with a serious expression. His dark hair is tied back, and the plain dark background emphasizes his presence.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases the Rococo style, with soft, layered brushstrokes evident in the subject's coat. The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, is notable in the sidelighting on Feke's face, which accentuates one cheek.
Legacy
Feke's work, including this self-portrait, has had a significant influence on Colonial American painting, with around 60 of his paintings surviving to the present day.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Feke (c. 1705 – c. 1752) was an American portrait painter born in Oyster Bay, New York. According to art historian Richard Saunders, "Feke's impact on the development of Colonial painting was substantial, and his…
