Self-Portrait 1791 - 1793

This is a self-portrait by Joseph Mallord William Turner. The painting presents a young man with flowing dark hair, clad in a green coat with gold buttons against a muted background. The composition is focused on the subject’s face. Turner’s use of light and shadow models the planes of his face. This is where we see his artistic style starting to emerge, especially around the eyes and mouth, which conveys a sense of introspection. The ruffled collar, soft brushstrokes, and delicate rendering of the skin create a sense of vulnerability. These elements are contrasted by the sharper lines of the jacket and the gaze directed slightly off to the side. Turner seems to be using the formal structure of portraiture to explore the duality of self. The work leaves us to ponder not only the artist’s skill, but also the complex and evolving nature of identity itself, captured here in a moment of youthful self-awareness.