This self-portrait dates from the period of Davie's studies at Edinburgh College of Art. Although best known for his paintings with expressive brushwork, Davie was also a skilled draughtsman. This is one of the earliest works by the artist in the possession of the Gallery of Modern Art. The Gallery owns a large collection of Davie's work, including some twenty paintings and numerous gouaches, drawings and prints. Many of the works were given to the Gallery by the artist in 1997.