1809
Gray paper, charcoal, sanguine, chalk
51,3 õ 40,5
The main theme in Orlovsky’s work was affirmation of a free and independent personality and this was best conveyed in his self portraits.
The popularity of this genre was symptomatic of Romanticism, which created the cult of the artist and creative person.
Orlovsky shows himself as a genuine hero of his age, a man of strong will and strong passions. This is shown in the expressive composition, the sharp turn of the head, the decisive regard through a frown and the highlights on the face.
The heavy, sweeping brush strokes reveal the temperament of a Romantic artist. This self portrait produces the impression of spontaneous improvisation done under the influence of his mood of the moment.
