Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Walter Shirlaw in 1878.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Walter Shirlaw , 1878

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Walter Shirlaw. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.: 11
Credit line: Gift of Joseph M. Rogers

About this work

Overview

Walter Shirlaw’s self‑portrait, executed in oil on canvas in 1878, is part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection. The work presents the artist in a direct, frontal pose, his gaze meeting the viewer. The composition is restrained, with a uniform background that emphasizes the figure’s attire and facial features.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Shirlaw as a bearded gentleman dressed in a dark suit and hat, suggesting a formal, professional identity. By looking straight ahead, the artist creates a sense of engagement and self‑assertion, typical of nineteenth‑century portraiture that aimed to convey both personal presence and social standing.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil, the portrait likely employs a glazing method, building thin, translucent layers to achieve depth of tone and subtle modeling of the face and clothing. The smooth, muted background contrasts with the more detailed rendering of the sitter, highlighting Shirlaw’s command of traditional academic painting techniques.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 1870s, the work reflects Shirlaw’s mature period after his relocation to the United States. It entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it remains on view as a representative example of American portraiture from the post‑Civil War era.