The artwork titled “Self Portrait” by Benjamin West, created in 1770, is an oil on canvas medium belonging to the Rococo art movement. This portrait genre piece is housed at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) in Baltimore, MD, United States.
The image shows an oval portrait of Benjamin West, who is portrayed with a contemplative expression. He is dressed in a blue coat with a white cravat, which suggests a sense of elegance and formality typical of the period. His pose, with a hand resting thoughtfully on his cheek, communicates a reflective demeanor. West’s face is well lit and is set against a dim background, bringing focus to his features and the slight shadow on his face adds depth to the composition. He is wearing a large black hat, which adds to his distinguished appearance. The painting demonstrates mastery of shadow and light, characteristic of the Rococo style’s softness and attention to detail. West’s gaze is directed outward, engaging the viewer and evoking a connection between artist and audience.
