Sir Thomas Lawrence's "Self-Portrait"

On this Day in the History of Art: Thomas Lawrence born (1769), Louise-Ernest Barrias born (1841), Handel’s Messiah premieres (1742), The Metropolitan Museum of Art founded (1870), Van Cliburn (American) wins Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow (1958), William Orchardson died (1910)
Nationality: English
Born/Died: 1769-1830

Creation Date: 1788
Size: 23 1/4 x 19 3/4 in. (59 x 50 cm)
Media: Oil on canvas
Location: Denver, Colorado, USA

Thomas Lawrence was largely self-taught and this portrait depicts him at around eighteen or nineteen. Despite his youth, he portrays himself as a dignified, intense, beautiful, intelligent being with his hair slightly blowing in the wind.