Who painted Self Portrait?

Self Portrait was painted by Xavier Mellery in 1893.

Where can I see Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is Self Portrait?

Self Portrait is associated with Symbolism.

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

Xavier Mellery , 1893

Self Portrait is an oil painting by the Symbolist artist Xavier Mellery. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Created circa 1893, this oil on canvas self‑portrait presents the Belgian artist in a restrained pose.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1893, this oil on canvas self‑portrait presents the Belgian artist in a restrained pose. The painter’s gaze is directed slightly to the right, his moustache and dark jacket contrasting with a muted background. The composition emphasizes the sitter’s face and upper torso, conveying a calm, introspective mood typical of late‑19th‑century Symbolist portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts the artist himself, rendered with a neutral expression that suggests inner contemplation rather than overt narrative. By limiting decorative elements and focusing on the sitter’s features, the painting invites viewers to consider the psychological presence of the creator, aligning with Symbolist interests in the inner self and the ineffable aspects of identity.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting employs a subdued palette and soft modeling of light that subtly defines the facial planes. The dark, almost tenebrous background functions as a chiaroscuro device, directing attention to the illuminated face and hands. The handling reflects the artist’s academic training while embracing the Symbolist tendency toward mood over realism.

History & Provenance

The portrait was produced by Xavier Mellery, a Brussels Academy graduate who earned the Prix de Rome and studied Italian Renaissance masters. After its creation, the canvas entered the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of Belgian Symbolist art.