Self-Portrait 1715

Francesco Solimena painted this self-portrait in oil on canvas to present himself as a pillar of Neapolitan painting. The artist displays himself within his studio, surrounded by the tools of his trade. We can see the corner of a canvas depicting a classical scene, perhaps suggesting the traditional training that formed his artistic identity. Solimena is positioned as a man of culture, influence, and wealth; he wears an expensive, flowing robe, a wig, and a dark, finely embroidered jacket. The ostentatious red chair upon which he sits implies his powerful position within Neapolitan society at the time. How does the artist wish to be seen by his audience? Solimena's self-portrait provides valuable insights into the artistic conventions and social values of his time. Accessing archival materials like letters and exhibition records could help us to more fully understand the networks of patronage and influence within which he operated.