The artwork, titled “Self-Portrait,” was created by William Holman Hunt in 1845. Rendered in oil on canvas, the piece is representative of the Romanticism art movement. It measures 39.3 by 45.7 centimeters and currently resides in the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham, UK. The artwork falls under the genre of portrait painting.
In the artwork, Hunt depicts himself with a frontal pose, his visage capturing a youthful and contemplative expression. The background of the painting is a textured, warm brown hue that complements the natural tones of Hunt’s complexion and clothing. His attire, a brown coat over a white shirt and black cravat, suggests a level of modest sophistication appropriate for the time period. The lighting and shadowing techniques used emphasize the contours and features of his face, providing depth and realism to the portrait. The detailed rendering of the hair and the meticulous attention to facial features showcase Hunt’s skill and precision in portraiture. The artist’s signature and the year of creation, 1845, are noted on the left side of the canvas, marking the personal and historical significance of the piece.
