Home > Arts > Artists > H > Chester Harding
Self-Portrait in a Black Coat, 1848-1850 (?). Creator: Richard Caton Woodville
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Self-Portrait in a Black Coat, 1848-1850 (?). Creator: Richard Caton Woodville
Self-Portrait in a Black Coat, 1848-1850 (?). In this small half-length self-portrait, Woodville fashions himself as a privileged urban gentleman, in a formal black coat, white shirt with wing collar, and a black bow tie. He has the smooth, broad forehead that contemporaries associated with superior intelligence and virtue; indeed, artist Chester Harding, who founded and guided the Boston Artists Association in the 1840s, was known to have told an aspiring painter he could never succeed "because his head was not big enough." Woodville fixes a penetrating, arrogant gaze on the viewer, embodying the elite social world in which he was raised and which he left behind in choosing the life of an artist
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36365744
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1840s Arrogance Bow Tie Bowtie Confidence Confident Formal Formal Dress Gentleman Gentlemen Mustache Richard Caton Woodville Richard Caton Woodville I Richard Caton Woodville Senior Richard Caton Woodville The Elder Self Portrait Walters Art Museum Woodville Richard Caton Woodville Richard Caton I Woodville Richard Caton The Elder Arrogant
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Chester Harding
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Guy Head
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Harding Harding
> Arts
> Artists
> S
> Walter Smalling
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Caton Woodville
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> Richard Caton Woodville
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Contemporary painting
> Arts
> Contemporary art
> Portraits
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Contemporary artwork
> Portraits
> Arts
> Still life artwork
> Contemporary artwork
EDITORS COMMENTS
Self-Portrait in a Black Coat," painted by American artist Richard Caton Woodville around 1848-1850, presents a confident and arrogant depiction of the artist as a privileged urban gentleman. Dressed in a formal black coat, white shirt with a wing collar, and a black bow tie, Woodville exudes an air of superiority and intelligence, with his smooth, broad forehead being a characteristic feature admired during that era for its association with virtue. The artist's penetrating gaze directly engages the viewer, reflecting the elite social world from which he hailed and which he left behind to pursue a career as an artist. Woodville's self-portrait embodies the fashionable accessories and apparel of the 1840s, including a well-groomed beard and mustache, adding to his refined appearance. This oil on canvas painting, measuring approximately 25 x 20 inches, showcases Woodville's mastery of the medium, as well as his ability to capture the essence of his own persona. The painting is a testament to the artist's heritage and the social expectations of the time, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who defied convention to follow his artistic passions. Richard Caton Woodville, also known as Richard Caton Woodville I or Richard Caton Woodville the Elder, was a prominent figure in the American art scene, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be celebrated in museums and galleries around the world. This self-portrait, now part of the Walters Art Museum collection, is a captivating reminder of Woodville's artistic talent and the societal context that shaped his work.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
