The artwork titled “Self-portrait in a wolfskin” is an oil on canvas painting by artist Anders Zorn, created in 1915. This piece exemplifies the Realism art movement and measures 90 x 58.5 cm. As a self-portrait, the painting reveals Zorn’s perception of himself, and it is currently housed in the Zorn Collections in Mora, Sweden.
In this self-portrait, Anders Zorn depicts himself with a direct and penetrating gaze that engages the viewer. He is clothed in what appears to be a warm, textured wolfskin coat, which is richly detailed, allowing the viewer to almost feel the fluffiness and warmth of the fur. The coat dominates the painting, enveloping his form and giving a sense of the cold environment from which the artist seeks protection. Zorn is also wearing a dark hat that contrasts with the lighter tones of the fur. His face emerges from the thick collar of the wolfskin, and his eyes are sharply focused, lending the self-portrait a sense of immediacy and presence. There is also visible what seems to be a cigarette or cigar between his fingers, hinting at a moment of contemplation or a break from the cold. The background is minimal, nondescript, and light in color, ensuring the focus remains on the artist’s face and attire. Zorn’s brushwork is loose but precise, capturing the textures and details of the fur and his facial features with skillful realism.
