Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by James McNeill Whistler in 1859.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with 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

James McNeill Whistler , 1859

Self-Portrait is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James McNeill Whistler. It dates from 1859 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:on plate: Whistler. 1859; lower right on recto: a 9048

About this work

Overview

James McNeill Whistler’s Self‑Portrait is a drypoint print executed on laid paper in 1859. The work presents the artist in a casual pose, his chin supported by a hand, wearing a wide‑brimmed hat and a slightly rumpled coat. The background consists of loose, wavy strokes that serve only to suggest texture rather than depict a setting.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures Whistler himself, emphasizing a restrained yet expressive presence. His thick mustache and relaxed posture convey a self‑assured yet introspective mood, aligning with the artist’s broader interest in portraying mood over narrative detail.

Technique & Style

Created with a drypoint needle, the print displays characteristic grainy, uneven lines that result from the burr left on the paper’s surface. This method yields a sketch‑like quality, with the laid paper’s texture enhancing the subtle tonal variations of the work.

Context

At the time of its creation, Whistler was establishing his reputation across oil, watercolor, and print media during the American Gilded Age. His aesthetic philosophy prioritized visual harmony and the autonomy of art, echoing the “art for art’s sake” credo that shaped his output.

Legacy

The portrait exemplifies Whistler’s early exploration of printmaking techniques that would inform his later, more refined works. Its delicate linework and focus on atmospheric suggestion continue to illustrate his contribution to 19th‑century aesthetic discourse.

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Artist & collection

Artist

James McNeill Whistler

James Abbott McNeill Whistler (; July 10, 1834 – July 17, 1903) was an American painter in oils and watercolor, and printmaker, active during the American Gilded Age and based primarily in the United Kingdom.