“Self Portrait with Bottle of Champagne,” created by Eastman Johnson in 1863, is a self-portrait that also represents the Realism art movement. The artwork captures the artist in a contemplative moment with a bottle of champagne, exhibiting a sense of personal reflection and modest revelry.
The artwork features a bearded man, presumably Eastman Johnson himself, dressed in dark formal attire, seated and focused on a bottle of champagne he holds in both hands. The figure’s gaze is directed downward with a thoughtful expression, emphasizing an introspective mood. The background is dark and muted, typical of Realist art, drawing attention to the subject through a masterful play of light and shadow. The setting is simple, with the only visible pieces of furniture being a chair and a small table adorned with a glass and an unidentifiable red object, contributing to the intimate atmosphere of the portrait. The rich, deep color palette and smooth brushwork reflect the artist’s attention to detail and compositional skills in capturing a personal and contemplative moment.
