The artwork, “Self-portrait in Paris,” was created by Ferdinand Hodler in 1891. This piece, rendered using pencil on paper, is a prominent example of Realism within the genre of self-portraits. Measuring 20 x 16 cm, the artwork is currently held in a private collection.
In the artwork, Ferdinand Hodler presents himself with meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of Realism. The delicate pencil strokes capture the contours of his face, hair, and beard with precision, reflecting the artist’s skill in rendering lifelike representations. The artist gazes intently out of the picture plane, which suggests a moment of deep self-reflection. The nuanced light and shadow depict Hodler’s features with depth and texture, alluding to his mastery in capturing human expression and emotion. The monochromatic palette underscores the profound simplicity and introspection inherent in this self-portrait, exemplifying Hodler’s realism and technical prowess.
