Self-portrait with brushes behind the ear 1808

Orest Kiprensky painted this self-portrait, with brushes behind the ear, in oils sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The painting's realism evokes the individualism of the Romantic era. But it is also rooted in the conventions of academic art. Kiprensky, who was born a serf, was given his freedom by the Academy of Arts. So he was well aware of the power of institutions to shape the production and reception of art. Russian artists at the time were concerned to establish a national tradition. In 1803 the Society for the Encouragement of Artists was established with the aim of supporting Russian artists and moving away from Western European models. Kiprensky's commitment to portraiture can be seen in this context. Portraits were important for establishing a sense of national identity. By examining primary sources, such as letters, diaries, and exhibition reviews, we can better understand the institutional and social context of the work. In this way, we can appreciate the self-portrait as a reflection of the artist's identity and a statement about the role of art in Russian society.