Alfred Stevens

An Artist in his Studio

c.1840–2

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In Tate Britain

Walk Through British Art: 1840

Free entry

Artist: Alfred Stevens 1817–1875
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 600 x 476 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased 1908
Reference: N02212

Display caption

This image of a painter in his studio shows one of the new kinds of artistic identity that emerged during the 19th century. The artist is presented as an urbane young gentleman, a distinctly modern figure. His rather foppish persona contrasts with the workshop-like setting. The portrait presents the artist as a man of fashion, rather than as an artisan or labourer, or even as a sober professional, roles that had dominated the self-portrait tradition in the past.

Gallery label, November 2016

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