The artwork “Self Portrait” by the eminent High Renaissance artist Raphael is approximately dated to circa 1506 and is believed to have been created in Italy. Embodied on poplar using tempera as the medium, the piece measures 47.5 by 33 centimeters. As suggested by its title, this work falls within the self-portrait genre, offering a personal glimpse into the visage of the artist himself. Currently, this introspective artwork is housed within the prestigious Uffizi Gallery located in Florence, Italy.
The artwork presents a young man gazing directly at the viewer with an expression that is both self-assured and introspective. His features are finely rendered with a subtle attention to detail that is characteristic of Raphael’s skill. The artist appears in the attire typical of his time: he wears a black garment which likely indicates his profession as an artist, and his head is adorned with a black cap, which frames his face and emphasizes its shape. The background is undistinguished, a choice that helps to focus the viewer’s attention solely on the figure. The light falls gently across his face, highlighting his cheekbones and the thoughtful gaze in his eyes. Raphael’s mastery of technique in the rendering of flesh and the soft transitions between light and shadow is evident and contributes to the enduring fascination with this work, securing its place as a consummate example of portraiture from the High Renaissance period.
