The artwork entitled “Self-Portrait” was crafted by the renowned artist Henri Matisse in the year 1900. This oil on canvas painting is a signature piece from the Fauvism movement. The piece measures 21 5/8 by 18 1/8 inches (55 x 46 cm) and currently resides in the Statens Museum for Kunst located in Copenhagen. As a self-portrait, it serves as a powerful expression of the artist’s own identity and state of mind during that period.
The artwork portrays the artist’s visage with a stern and contemplative expression, set against a background of bold, non-naturalistic colors and brisk brushstrokes that are characteristic of Fauvism. The thick application of paint and the stark contrasts of color suggest a certain emotional intensity underlying the composition. An interesting play of light and shadow can be observed on Matisse’s face, demonstrating the artist’s skillful manipulation of color to define shape and space rather than relying on realistic tones. This particular self-portrait by Matisse is a testament to his exploration of color theory and the emotional potential of paintings, which would come to define much of his body of work during the Fauvist movement and throughout his prolific career.
