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© 2005 Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Self-portraitSelf-portrait
Samuel Palmer
Samuel Palmer, Self-Portrait, black and white chalks on buff paper
In this self-portrait, Palmer views himself slightly from below. His eyes, nose and mouth are in sharp focus, in contrast with the softer surround. The subtle use of black and white chalk on buff paper creates a sense of varying light that enhances the work's reflective quality. The drawing is remarkable for its directness and self-questioning and it is perhaps the most poignant of all self-portraits of the Romantic Era.
Exactly when this self-portrait was made is unknown; although 1828 has been suggested, 1824-25 now seems more convincing. Palmer looks in the portrait like a late adolescent (he was nineteen in 1824) and, significantly, his hairstyle and dress seem to fit this date. He was known to dress fashionably at this stage of his life - in fact he was something of a dandy - but as early as 1825, during his 'conversion' to primitivism, he abandoned the stylish cravat he wears here and took to wearing rather quaint clothing.
Palmer may have created this study in the hope of becoming a portrait painter, which was highly profitable at the time. However he does not seem to have pursued this as the present drawing is the only firmly established portrait drawing by Palmer now known. He kept the picture all his life and it was inherited by his son after his death.