The artwork, titled “Autoretrato,” was created by the artist Jose Maria Velasco in the year 1875. This piece is part of the Realism art movement and belongs to the genre of self-portraiture.
The artwork presents a realistic portrayal of the artist himself. Jose Maria Velasco is depicted with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the textures of his hair, beard, and skin. The artist’s expression is one of seriousness and contemplation, which is accentuated by the direct gaze towards the viewer. The background is plain and unobtrusive, ensuring that all focus is directed towards the features and expression of the subject, thus highlighting the skillful technique and the realistic approach characteristic of the Realism movement. The use of light and shadow in the rendering of the face and attire adds depth and enhances the lifelike quality of the artwork.
