Three quarter length self-portrait of Francesco de Mura

Self-Portrait, c. 1740

Oil on canvasexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fundexpand_more  62.48

Francesco de Mura presents himself as a man of great elegance and high social standing. He is sumptuously dressed and surrounded by trappings of wealth and grandeur (billowing drapery, monumental column, marble-topped gilt table). His drawing tools are prominently displayed. Traditionally, the medium of drawing reveals the intellectual quality and inventiveness of an artist’s ideas. The red chalk drawing in de Mura’s hand—depicting the Roman goddess Minerva, protector of the arts—displays his knowledge of the classical world, confirming his portrayal of himself as an educated gentleman.

Explore

Audio

de Mura, Self-Portrait (#698)
Details
Title
Self-Portrait
Artist Life
(Naples), 1696–1782
Role
Artist
Accession Number
62.48
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

Three quarter length self-portrait of Francesco de Mura