Self-portrait

Anders Zorn received international acclaim for his captivating portraits. Unlike in his large canvases, the focus of this work is on physiognomy rather than the luxury of clothing or furnishings. The limited color palette and turned head add to the attraction of this dynamic and vivid portrayal. An early self-portrait by Zorn, this work dates from around 1885 when the artist was in his mid-twenties. The young artist had just married Emma Lamm and was on the cusp of international success. In consideration of its particularly intimate scale, this portrait contrasts intriguingly with Zorn’s grander, later painted self-portraits such as a Self-portrait with fur, 1915 in the Zorn Museum, Mora (Der Schwedische Impressionist: Anders Zorn 1860-1920, Petersberg, 2012, pl. 75).