Self-Portrait 1881 - 1887

Theodore Robinson's "Self-Portrait" (1881-1887) is a captivating oil-on-canvas work depicting the artist in a contemplative pose, partially obscured by a dark hat and lost in the act of reading. The loose brushstrokes and muted palette create a sense of intimacy and introspection, capturing the artist's personality and the nuances of his daily life. The unfinished quality of the work, with its hazy background and subtle details, suggests a focus on the artist's internal world rather than a meticulously rendered portrait. This intimate self-portrait, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, exemplifies Robinson's painterly style and provides a glimpse into the artistic process.