Self-Portrait

This artist from Urbino is one of the pioneers of Italian Baroque in the last third of the 16th century.

Barocci's self-portrait is sensitive and expressive – both "snapshot" and character study. With alert eyes, the painter scrutinises the viewer. The left side of his face is in shadow; the right side has a bright, pastel-like complexion with transparent nuances. The hollow cheeks and pale complexion indicate a severe long-term illness. The ruff is painted with light, swift brush-strokes.