“Self Portrait with a Palette” is an evocative artwork by Edouard Manet, created in 1879 in Paris, France. This piece, rendered with oil on canvas, is notable for its alignment with the Impressionism movement. Measuring 83 x 67 cm, it falls under the genre of self-portrait and is currently part of the Steven A. Cohen Collection in Greenwich, Connecticut, US.
The artwork displays the artist himself, holding a palette and paintbrushes, signifying his role as a painter. Manet is dressed in a beige jacket and a black cravat, a dark hat rests upon his head, partially covering his light-colored hair. His expression is contemplative, his direct gaze engaging the viewer. The background of the painting is a deep, muted brown, allowing Manet’s figure to emerge prominently from the canvas. Brushstrokes are visible, characteristic of the Impressionist style, and the color palette is relatively subdued, focusing on earthy tones, which enhances the seriousness and intimacy of the self-portrait.
