Self-portrait (van Dyck, Vienna)

The Self-portrait (van Dyck, Vienna) refers to a self-portrait painting by the Flemish Baroque artist Sir Anthony van Dyck. The specific title usually designates the self-portrait held by the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

This painting, like other self-portraits by van Dyck, provides valuable insight into the artist's perception of himself and his status. It showcases van Dyck's technical skill, particularly his mastery of light and shadow and the rendering of textures, evident in the depiction of his clothing and hair. The Vienna self-portrait typically depicts van Dyck with a refined and elegant demeanor, reflecting the courtly environment in which he worked, particularly during his time in England. It is important to note that attributions and dating of van Dyck’s self-portraits have been subject to scholarly debate over the years. The composition, use of color, and details of dress and accoutrements offer clues to the approximate period in which it was painted.