The artwork titled “Self-Portrait” was created by the artist Paul Cezanne in 1866. This work, executed in oil on canvas, is classified as belonging to the Romanticism movement and falls under the genre of self-portrait. Currently, the original resides in a private collection.
The artwork depicts the artist himself, crystallized with thick, expressive brushstrokes that characterize his early work. Cezanne’s gaze is intense and penetrating, meeting the viewer directly. The vigorous application of paint and the choice of earthy and dark tones create a mood of gravity and introspection. The dominant ochres, browns, and shadows sculpt the artist’s features assertively, highlighting the rugged texture of his beard and the furrowed lines on his face. The background is rendered in deep, almost monochromatic hues, allowing the figure to emerge with a stark sense of solidity and presence. A notable method is the strong contrast between the illuminated portions of the face and the absorbent darkness around it, lending the composition a dramatic and somewhat theatrical effect.
The signature “CEZANNE” stands out in the lower right corner of the canvas in a striking red tone, contrasting with the overall earthy palette and confirming the artist’s authorship with a hint of assertiveness.
