Self-Portrait (Leo Lesser Ury, 1881)

Identification of the Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait is an oil on canvas work by the artist Lesser Ury. Created in 1881, this piece represents an early stage in the artist's career, appearing during a period when Ury was establishing his technical foundation. The work captures the artist's likeness through a detailed application of paint, focusing on the specificities of facial features and formal attire.

Lesser Ury was born in 1861 in Międzychód, Poland. His artistic development spanned several decades, moving through various European centers before his death in 1931. This specific portrait, executed in 1881, provides a glimpse into the artist's early approach to representation and the formal study of the human subject.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition focuses on a man with a beard and mustache, rendered with significant attention to the intricacies of his facial features. He wears a suit and tie, an attire suggesting a professional setting or a formal occasion. His gaze is directed toward the viewer, maintaining a serious expression. The oil on canvas medium allows for a detailed rendering of both the skin and the textures of his clothing.

The portrait, created about 1881, emphasizes the physical presence of the subject through precise detail. Light and shadow define the contours of the face, highlighting the specific characteristics of the man's features. Every stroke contributes to the depiction of a formal, composed individual caught in a moment of direct engagement.