Self-portrait (1758) by Benjamin West

Self-portrait - Benjamin West - 1758

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-portrait
ArtistBenjamin West
Date1758
Mediumwatercolor,ivory
Dimensions6.4 x 4.6 cm
Art MovementRococo
Current LocationYale University Art Gallery (Yale University), New Haven, CT, US

About Self-portrait

The “Self-portrait” by artist Benjamin West, created in 1758, is a small miniature painting executed with watercolor on ivory, a common medium for intimate portraiture of this period. With dimensions of just 6.4 x 4.6 cm, the artwork reflects the Rococo style, known for its attention to detail and elegance. This portrait is currently housed at the Yale University Art Gallery, located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.

Looking at the artwork, it features a bust portrait of a gentleman, presumably the artist himself, given that it is identified as a self-portrait. He is depicted against a plain, dark blue background that contrasts with his fair complexion. The man has dark hair, styled in a manner typical of the mid-18th century, with its sides brushed back and likely powdered. His facial features are delineated with careful precision, capturing the artist’s youthful visage and soft gaze that meets the viewer.

The man is dressed in attire appropriate for the period: a brown coat with a high collar and a black neckcloth. The clothing is rendered with a degree of realism that suggests the texture of the fabric and the formality of the attire. Given the miniature size of the portrait, the intricacy with which it is painted indicates a high level of skill in working with such a small, delicate format. The oval framing of the portrait may also be part of the original presentation, designed to protect the work and augment its visual appeal. The miniature portrait is a fine example of personal portraiture from the Rococo period, showcasing both the artistry of Benjamin West and the intimate scale favored for personal keepsakes at the time.

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