Self-portrait with a Model - Anders Zorn

This self-portrait by Anders Zorn shows the artist in his studio, palette in hand, with a nude model in the background. The painting exemplifies Zorn's confident brushwork and interest in capturing fleeting moments.

Anders Zorn (1860-1920) was a Swedish painter, sculptor, and printmaker, celebrated for his technical skill and ability to capture light and movement. He is considered one of Sweden's foremost artists. Zorn's work spans portraiture, genre scenes, and nudes, often depicting Swedish life and landscapes. His style is characterised by a loose, painterly approach, influenced by Impressionism, but with a distinctive realism. He achieved international recognition during his lifetime, and his works are held in major museums worldwide. 'Self-portrait with a Model' exemplifies Zorn's confident brushwork and interest in capturing fleeting moments. The painting depicts Zorn himself, palette in hand, standing before an easel. In the background, a nude model is visible, partially obscured by shadow. The composition is dynamic, with a sense of immediacy. The artist's face is rendered with careful attention to detail, while the rest of the scene is painted with broader, more expressive strokes. The colour palette is muted, dominated by browns, creams, and greys, with touches of red adding visual interest. The painting offers a glimpse into the artist's studio and working process, as well as his engagement with the human form.