The artwork titled “Self-portrait” is a creation of the renowned artist Peter Paul Rubens, dating back to the year 1623. This oil on canvas masterpiece is attributed to the Baroque art movement and measures 62 by 86 centimeters. As a self-portrait, it offers an introspective look into the visage of Rubens himself and currently resides in the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) located in Canberra, Australia.
The artwork presents the artist with a poised and reflective demeanor, his gaze confidently directed towards the viewer, as if inviting an engagement with his inner world. Rubens’s face is rendered with a masterful treatment of light and shadow, which is characteristic of the Baroque period, emphasizing the textural details of his skin and facial hair. He dons a broad-brimmed hat and is adorned with a lace collar, which, along with his moustache and goatee, were signifiers of the fashion of the era. The background is comparatively subdued, painted in muted tones, which serves to thrust the figure into the forefront, giving it a vivid presence and enhancing the sense of three-dimensionality in the portrait. The execution of the portrait displays Rubens’s exceptional skill in capturing the essence of his own character, a task that demands the artist’s introspection and technical prowess.
