The artwork, titled “Self Portrait,” was created by John Ruskin in 1874 and belongs to the Romanticism art movement. Despite being categorized under the genre of landscape, the artwork captures a self-depiction, distinctly showcasing Ruskin’s visage.
The artwork presents a close-up rendering of the artist’s face, framed by loosely applied, earthy brushstrokes that convey depth and texture. The use of muted tones and a soft, almost ethereal application of color enhances the introspective quality of the portrait. Though it diverges from the typical landscape theme associated with Ruskin’s body of work, it retains a certain painterly quality that reflects the Romanticism movement’s emphasis on emotion and individualism.
