Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Self Portrait

© the artist's estate. Image credit: Ruth Borchard Collection

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

O’Connor wrote to Borchard ‘I am sending a self portrait as promised... My wife comments that it is a good likeness if a little harsh and unkind. I personally am not unpleased by it.’ He would have been about 50 years old, yet, with his full head of dark, tousled hair, he appears at first sight much younger, boyish even. But the lightly scribbled lines across his forehead, the strangely transfixed eyes and pursed lips, show that this is an older man, with nervous strain. Drawn mainly in black crayon and pencil, with overlay of yellow (and some brown) oil paint mixed with turpentine, this is an ambiguous self portrait. There is an improvisatory air to the drawing. It is a picture infused with heart-warming sunniness yet one in which the artist seems resigned to growing old.

The Ruth Borchard Collection

Title

Self Portrait

Date

1963

Medium

oil, ink, crayon & pencil on paper

Measurements

H 66 x W 48 cm

Accession number

PCF93

Acquisition method

acquired by Ruth Borchard as part of the original collection

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

The Ruth Borchard Collection

Greater London England

This venue is closed to the public.
View venue