The artwork is a self-portrait by Samuel Morse, created circa 1809, employing watercolor on ivory as its medium. It is part of the Romanticism art movement and serves as an exemplary piece within the self-portrait genre. Presently, the artwork is housed at the National Academy Museum and School, also known as the National Academy of Design, in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork depicts a youthful Samuel Morse, delicately rendered with fine detail indicative of the watercolor on ivory medium. He is portrayed with a paintbrush in hand, suggestive of his identity as an artist. The expression on his face is composed and reflective, characteristic of the introspective nature often found in self-portraits. His attire, consisting of a dark jacket and white shirt, speaks to the fashion of the early 19th century. The small scale of the painting, combined with its intricate border, highlights the intimacy and personal nature of this self-reflective piece.
