The artwork titled “Self-portrait” is a work by the esteemed artist Francisco Goya, believed to have been created between the years 1790 and 1795. Belonging to the Romanticism art movement, this self-portrait genre piece is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York, United States. The portrait captures the essence of Romanticism through its expressive and individualistic portrayal of the artist himself.
In the artwork, Goya presents himself with a commanding and intense gaze that directly engages the viewer. His countenance bears a solemn expression, reflective of the depth and emotional gravity characteristics of the Romantic period. He dons a large, three-cornered hat, angled such that it casts a shadow over his forehead and eyes, giving the portrait a somber tone that further accentuates the serious nature of his gaze. The fine, brisk strokes suggest movement and vitality, despite the compact pen and ink medium used to render the figure.
Goya’s attire, though not depicted in great detail, suggests the garb of his era with what appears to be a high-collared coat. His hair is styled with a braid visible on the side, indicating the fashions of the time. The artist’s use of light and shadow, and the way in which the strokes define the contours of his face and attire, show his mastery in capturing the human form with minimal yet effective means. The self-portrait not only provides a look into Goya’s appearance but also into his psyche, which was an important aspect of portraiture during the Romantic period, where artists sought to convey their inner life and feelings as much as their external appearance.
