Self-portrait Nikolay Ge (1831-1894)

Description of the painting "Self-Portrait" by Nikolai Ge

During his lifetime the famous painter Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge painted a great many works. Among them were paintings on religious themes, works describing historical events, and beautiful landscapes. Some of his works were considered the pinnacle of Russian creativity, some were completely unrecognized, but the artist’s ability to draw portraits so truthfully was impressed by absolutely everyone.

Н. N. Ge was a very bright artist and personality. His contribution to the development of realistic painting and landscapes is truly enormous. All his works are distinguished by a special sincerity and nobility. And portraits painted with his brush, capturing their simplicity, truth and color severity. In them, the artist tried to capture all the spiritual richness and complexity of life of any person. Each portrait he painted reflects his own noble soul.

The author’s self-portrait was painted by him in the last years of his life. Most experts consider this work to be the apotheosis of Nikolai Nikolaevich’s portrait art. His work is ranked among the best examples of Russian portraiture of the 19th century.

In his work he captured his expressive and spiritual face of the master, on which the shadow lies the imprint of already lived years. His face seems to be plucked out of the engulfing darkness by a ray of light, thanks to the unevenly distributed lighting in the painting. His stern and thoughtful gaze looks directly into the viewer’s eyes.

Wisdom and kindness overwhelm him. But at the same time, Nikolai Nikolaevich as if something is tormenting and disturbing. Some still unsolved questions have turned his inner peace upside down. The portrait reflects the whole spiritual world of the author, who spent his life in search of moral perfection. His senile wisdom and beauty are immortalized in the portrait.