Artwork
Self-portrait at the Age of 14

Self-portrait at the Age of 14 is an oil painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist William Holman Hunt. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
Overview
Self-portrait at the Age of 14 is an 1841 oil painting by William Holman Hunt, depicting the artist as a young boy. The work reflects the principles of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which Hunt would later co-found.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Hunt at 14, dressed in a dark jacket and white shirt, holding an unidentified rectangular object (possibly a painting or book). His direct gaze engages the viewer, set against a muted brown background that emphasizes his likeness.
Technique & Style
While specific techniques used in this early work are not detailed here, it shares the Pre-Raphaelite emphasis on detail and realism, though the full movement's characteristics may not yet be fully embodied at this juvenile stage.
History & Provenance
Created in 1841, the painting's history of ownership and exhibition is not provided in the available information.
Context
This self-portrait predates Hunt's official role as a co-founder of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (est. 1848), offering an early glimpse into his artistic development and inclinations towards the movement's values.
Legacy
As an early work by a prominent Pre-Raphaelite, it holds significance in understanding Hunt's evolution, though its broader impact or renown compared to his later works is not specified.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Holman Hunt (2 April 1827 – 7 September 1910) was an English painter and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.


















