Self-portraitBartholomeus Spranger · 1585

Identification of the Self-portrait

This oil portrait, titled Self-portrait, was executed by the artist Bartholomeus Spranger in 1585. It offers a direct encounter with the painter himself, captured during a period of significant professional development. The work measures 45 x 63 cm, providing an intimate scale for such a personal study of identity and presence.

In this 1585 composition, Spranger presents his own likeness with a certain gravity. The medium of oil allows for a precise rendering of the textures present in his attire and facial features. It is a quiet, focused work that avoids the grandiosity often associated with courtly portraiture, opting instead for a singular, steady gaze.

Visual Description of the Portrait

The subject is presented in a direct, frontal view, meeting the viewer's gaze with a notably stern expression. He possesses a well-defined beard and mustache that frame a face set in a serious, composed manner. This steady gaze creates an immediate sense of presence, as if the sitter is observing the observer with quiet intensity.

His attire is characterized by a crisp white shirt, which is accented by a prominent ruffled collar. This detail adds a layer of texture and structural complexity to the upper portion of the composition. A black hat rests upon his head, providing a sharp tonal contrast to the lighter elements of his clothing. The interplay between the dark headwear and the white linen of the collar draws the eye toward the face, emphasizing the psychological weight of his expression.

Current Location and Collection

This oil on canvas is held within the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It resides specifically within the Gemäldegalerie, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1137. The work is preserved as part of this significant collection, maintaining its presence within the museum's permanent holdings.

The physical presence of the portrait is defined by its dimensions of 62.5 x 45 cm. It remains a part of the institutional fabric in Vienna, situated among other works from the period. Its placement within the Gemäldegalerie ensures its continued study and preservation.