Self-Portrait in a Red Shirt
Painting on canvas or board • Attributed to or in the manner of Frank Auerbach or the London School; possibly a dedicated follower of British figurative expressionism.
Style & Movement
Expressionism / Neo-Expressionism / London School
Medium & Technique
Oil on support; features heavy impasto, expressive brushwork, and bold chiaroscuro with high-contrast color zones.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1960s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 60 x 45 cm; Vertical Portrait format.
Subject Description
A close-up psychological self-portrait of a man with glasses. The subject wears a vibrant red shirt against a textured blue background. The composition uses harsh shadows and structural black outlines to define the facial features and deep-set eyes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; surface appears stable with some edge wear consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
Depending on confirmed attribution: $5,000 - $15,000 for a notable contemporary; significantly higher if a primary London School master.
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private estate or specialized collection of mid-century figurative art; no visible labels in image.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward tactile, heavy-pigmented portraiture that emphasizes the psychological weight of the sitter over realistic likeness.
Notable Features
The striking color contrast between the cadmium red of the garment and the cerulean/ultramarine background create a powerful visual vibration characteristic of expressionist techniques.
Condition Issues
Possible minor craquelure in high-impasto areas; slight scuffing near the upper left margin.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered glazing; avoid touching the high-relief impasto surfaces.