Self-portrait

Eugène Jansson (1862 - 1915)

Artist/Maker

Artist: Eugène Jansson (1862 - 1915)

DatesSigned: Signed 1910

Material / Technique

Oil on canvas

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 203 x 110 cm h x w x d: Ram 218 x 125 x 5,5 cm

Inventory numberNM 2101

AcqusitionGift 1918 author Klas Fåhræus

Other titlesTitle (sv): Självporträtt Title (en): Self-portrait

DescriptionDescription: Eugène Jansson has portrayed himself as an elegant dandy, surrounded by naked men posing at the naval bath house. The muscular, heroic body, inspired by ancient models, was central to the male ideal of the turn of the century, an ideal to be attained by physical exercise and sunbathing. The picture was painted from a homoerotic perspective, at a time when sexual acts between men were illegal. This boundary-crossing subculture was a hidden but important part of the development of the modern city.

Depicted Person

Eugène Jansson (1862 - 1915)

Motif categorySelf-portrait

Collection

Paintings (Paintings)

MaterialDuk, Oil paint

TechniquePainting

Object category

painting

Keyword

Självporträtt

Extern ID

Wikidata: http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q10669351

Additional texteDescription: Eugène Jansson’s later paintings are populated mainly by nude, muscular men in gymnasiums or, as in this picture, at public baths. His paintings are regarded as typical of what was called vitalism, a movement focusing on health and the human body, which developed in reaction to industrialism and its consequences. Scenes in the vitalist spirit were often set in summer sunshine, where the warmth makes nudity appear more natural. This subject has also been interpreted in light of the artist’s homosexuality.