About this artwork
The Latin inscription at the bottom of this drawing states that it was drawn on 15 December 1614. Although the handwriting does not belong to Palma there is no reason to doubt its accuracy, as the style and appearance are consistent with his other self-portraits. This introspective portrait displays Palma’s ability to capture his own psychological state; his intense gaze and relaxed expression accurately convey the expression of a man absorbed in self-study. In many ways this pre-empts the introspective self-portraits by artist of later centuries such as Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh. Here, Palma experimented with coloured chalks, a medium which he used only occasionally. Similarly, Van Gogh would frequently use his own image when experimenting with an unfamiliar technique or effect.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Palma Giovane (Jacopo Palma Il Giovane) (about 1548 - 1628) Italian
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title:Self-Portrait
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date created:About 1614
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materials:Black and red chalk on faded blue paper
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measurements:23.90 x 20.10 cm
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object type:
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credit line:William Finlay Watson Bequest 1881
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accession number:D 2237
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gallery:
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depicted:
Palma Giovane (Jacopo Palma Il Giovane)
Palma Giovane (Jacopo Palma Il Giovane)
Palma was born into a Venetian family of artists. His father Antonio ran a successful workshop, and his great uncle was the renowned painter Palma Vecchio. In spite of this, Palma Giovane was virtually self-taught. In 1567 he caught the eye of the Duke of Urbino, whose patronage allowed him to...