The artwork titled “Self-portrait” was created by Umberto Boccioni in 1908, during his time in Milan, Italy. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 70 by 100 centimeters and embodies characteristics of Divisionism and Impressionism. Classified as a self-portrait, it represents the artist’s own image. The “Self-portrait” by Umberto Boccioni is housed in the prestigious Palazzo Brera in Milan, Italy.
In this self-portrait, Boccioni presents a thoughtful depiction of himself, set against an urban landscape that exemplifies the Divisionist technique of separating color into individual strokes which, from a distance, merge harmoniously. The artist’s face is stern, characterized by sharp features and a piercing gaze that confronts the viewer directly. He is dressed in a heavy coat, suggestive of the cooler climate, and a distinctive hat sits atop his head, giving a sense of his personal style and the fashions of the time.
The Impressionist influence is evident in the handling of light and the atmosphere of the scene. The background portrays an animated cityscape with buildings rendered in a mix of muted and slightly warmer tones, indicating the play of light and shadow typical of urban environments. The brushwork is loose and dynamic, a hallmark of Impressionism’s emphasis on capturing the fleeting nature of light and the subjective perception of the artist.
Boccioni’s gaze and his placement in the foreground, set against the backdrop of a bustling city, suggest a deeper narrative about the individual’s place within the modern environment. It provides a lens through which to view the artist’s personal introspection and his contemplation of the rapidly evolving world around him at the onset of the 20th century.
