autoritratti

Autoritratti, in Italian art discourse, are self-portraits created by the artist depicting themselves. The term covers works in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and, in modern times, photography and other media. Self-portraits function as records of appearance and identity, and they also serve as studies in technique, light, and character. They can perform as direct likenesses, introspective self-representations, or strategic demonstrations of the artist’s status and skill.

Historically, autoritratti became more prominent with the Italian Renaissance, when artists began to sign works and present themselves within or beside other figures. In this context, self-portraiture evolved from a simple likeness into a means of asserting authorship, protecting workshop prestige, or exploring personal and spiritual dimensions. Throughout the Baroque and later periods, Italian painters continued to develop varied approaches—ranging from straightforward likenesses to more expressive or symbolic presentations.

Media and motifs vary across eras. Direct gaze and a calm or contemplative pose are common, but self-portraits may also place the artist in a narrative moment, a costume, or a symbolic setting. The genre invites reflection on how artists view themselves and wish to be seen by patrons, peers, and future audiences.

Notable examples in the broader tradition include Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Parmigianino, and Caravaggio, who each approached self-portraiture with distinct aims. In later centuries, the practice spread to other media and cultures, culminating in contemporary photography and digital self-representation.