The artwork, “Self-portrait,” created by Salvator Rosa in 1645, is an oil painting on canvas. This piece is an exquisite example of the Baroque art movement, specifically classified under the genre of self-portrait. This significant work of art is housed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France.
The artwork vividly captures the artist himself with remarkable intensity and depth. Rosa’s use of chiaroscuro, the strong contrast between light and dark, enhances the dramatic effect typical of Baroque artistry. The artist adorns himself with a laurel wreath, symbolizing artistic triumph and intellect, while his gaze, solemn and contemplative, underscores the emotive power of the era. The textured, dark background further accentuates the focus on the face, rendered with meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Rosa’s style.
