“Portrait of Whistler with a Hat,” crafted by James McNeill Whistler between 1857 and 1859, is an oil on canvas artwork measuring 38.1 by 46.3 cm. The piece belongs to the Realism art movement and represents a self-portrait, showcasing the artist himself.
The artwork portrays Whistler in a somber, dark palette, dominated by deep browns and blacks. He wears a large, wide-brimmed hat that casts a shadow over much of his face, emphasizing his enigmatic expression. The interplay of light and shadow highlights Whistler’s features, particularly his mustache and the contour of his face, bringing an intimate and introspective character to the composition. The artist’s signature is subtly positioned in the lower left corner, marking his presence both as the creator and the subject of this evocative portrait.
