Anthony Van Dyck’s self-portrait is among the masterpieces of the Hermitage collection. In it the artist embodied his ideal of the creative personality, artistic, independent and refined. At the same time, the half-ruined ancient column on which the artist is leaning invests the depiction with a philosophical subtext, reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of time, the transience of earthly existence and the impermanence of beauty, youth and fame. The painting’s colour scheme is marked by an elegant austerity. The artist uses the subtlest gradations of black and grey to convey the surface of fine silk and smooth satin, nuances of warm pinks, yellows and grey-browns for the tender skin of the face and the luxuriant hair. The texture of the painting demonstrates Van Dyck’s rare artistry: the relaxed ease with which the artist wields his brush borders on the improvisation of a sketch.
Author:
Title:
Self-Portrait
Place:
Date:
Material:
Technique:
oil
Dimensions:
116,5x93,5 cm
Acquisition date:
Entered the Hermitage in 1772; acquired from the collection of L.A. Crozat, Baron de Thiers, in Paris
Inventory Number:
ГЭ-548
Category:
Collection:
Subcollection:
