Claude Monet’s “Self-Portrait with a Beret,” painted in 1886, is an oil on canvas work belonging to the Impressionism movement. With dimensions of 46 x 56 cm, this self-portrait genre painting is part of a private collection. Featuring Monet’s distinctive use of color and brushwork, the artwork showcases the artist’s introspection and self-representation during the late 19th century.
The artwork depicts the artist himself, Claude Monet, gazing directly towards the viewer. Monet’s features are rendered with vigorous and expressive brushstrokes, characteristic of the Impressionist style, which sought to capture the fleeting effects of light rather than the fine detail of Academic painting. The artist wears a beret, which along with his full beard, was a signature aspect of his personal appearance during that period.
Monet’s attire is painted in dark, muted tones, allowing for a striking contrast against the lighter, almost ethereal background that suggests a sky or undefined space behind him. This juxtaposition further draws attention to Monet’s visage, emphasizing the emotional and psychological presence of the artist within the work. The rapid, visible brushstrokes on the canvas give a sense of immediacy and vitality, effectively conveying Monet’s presence and the ambiance of the moment in which the self-portrait was painted.
