The artwork, titled “Self-portrait,” is created by the artist Will Barnet and dates to approximately 1935 in the United States. Executed with the medium of etching on paper, this piece belongs to the Social Realism art movement and represents the genre of self-portraits.
In the artwork, Barnet presents himself in a contemplative pose, gazing directly at the viewer with his hand thoughtfully raised to his face. The artist’s etching technique captures intricate details, rendering his expression and attire with careful lines and subtle shading. Surrounding him, the background is minimally detailed, focusing the observer’s attention on the centered figure. The jacket and shirt suggest a casual yet intentional representation, emphasizing the introspective nature of the self-portrait. The attention to the individual’s features and the expressive composition exemplify the traits of Social Realism, engaging the viewer in a direct, unembellished look into Barnet’s self-perception.
