Self-Portrait (1643) by Diego Velazquez

Self-Portrait - Diego Velazquez - 1643

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-Portrait
ArtistDiego Velazquez
Date1643
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions70 x 58 cm
Art MovementBaroque
Current LocationUffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

About Self-Portrait

The artwork known as “Self-Portrait” by Diego Velazquez dates back to 1643 and is an oil on canvas painting measuring 70 by 58 centimeters. It is an exemplary piece of the Baroque art movement and currently resides in the esteemed Uffizi Gallery located in Florence, Italy.

In this self-portrait, the artist, Diego Velazquez, presents himself in a three-quarter view, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze. The brushwork appears loose and fluid, which is characteristic of Velazquez’s mastery of the oil medium. His face is lit from the left, creating a contrast of light and shadow that sculpts his facial features with great subtlety and depth.

Velazquez wears clothing that suggests the fashion of the 17th century—a white, broad-collared shirt beneath a dark, possibly black, garment. His hair falls to shoulder length and frames his face, while a prominent mustache defines his upper lip. The background is muted and indistinct, likely to focus the viewer’s attention on the introspective quality of his expression.

The nuanced execution of this work exemplifies the Baroque emphasis on realism and emotional depth, qualities that reveal Velazquez’s psychological acumen and ability to convey his inner self through the portrait. The dark tones and strategic use of light not only emphasize the volume of the figure but also contribute to a sense of intimacy within the artwork.

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