Self Portrait (1905)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Jozef Israëls’ "Self Portrait" from 1905 is a compelling example of his masterful use of paint to convey the depth of human emotion and the passage of time. This artwork features an up-close portrayal of the artist himself in his later years, his face bearing the marks and wisdom of age. The thick, expressive brushstrokes highlight Israëls’ skill in manipulating light and shadow to draw attention to his introspective gaze and the textured white of his beard, set against a dark, indistinct background. The muted, earthy palette of the painting reflects a somber and contemplative mood, with hints of warmth that suggest a lingering passion for life and art. Adding to the complexity of the scene, behind Israëls, one can see a blurred artwork hanging on the wall, perhaps a reflection of his memories and past works.
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Jozef Israëls was a Dutch painter. He was a leading member of the group of landscape painters referred to as the Hague School and, during his lifetime, "the most respected Dutch artist of the second half of the nineteenth century".
He was born in Groningen, of Jewish parents. His father, Hartog Abraham Israëls, intended for him to be a businessman, and it was only after a determined struggle that he was allowed to embark on an artistic career. He studied initially from 1835 to 1842 at the Minerva Academy in his home town Groningen.