Self-Portrait

Priscilla Roberts, Self-Portrait, 1946, oil on masonite, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 1991.197
Priscilla Roberts, Self-Portrait, 1946, oil on masonite, 29 7⁄8 x 14 1⁄8 in. (75.8 x 35.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum Purchase, 1991.197

Artwork Details

Title
Self-Portrait
Artist
Date
1946
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
29 7⁄8 x 14 1⁄8 in. (75.8 x 35.9 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on masonite
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — tool — ladder
  • Object — art tool — easel
  • Architecture Interior — studio
  • Object — art tool — palette
  • Portrait female — Roberts, Priscilla — full length
  • Portrait female — Roberts, Priscilla — self-portrait
  • Animal — bird — goose
  • Occupation — art — painter
  • Dress — accessory — hat
Object Number
1991.197
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1991.197

Artwork Description

Self-Portrait shows the artist as a young woman living in New York. Priscilla Roberts painted with photographic precision, copying her subjects “exactly and completely” and taking many months to complete one image (2001, The Wilton Bulletin, Ask Art Biography). She was an eccentric lady who lived much of her later life as a recluse, and the large straw hat, stuffed birds, and stepladders in this painting reflect her quirky, obsessive character.

Works by this artist (15 items)

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Eugenie Gershoy, The Very Strong Man, 1936-1940, polychromed dextrine, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Erwin P. Vollmer, 1985.6
The Very Strong Man
Artist
Date1936-1940
polychromed dextrine
On view
Eugenie Gershoy, Raphael Soyer, ca. 1967-1970, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Stanley Bard, 1972.90
Raphael Soyer
Artist
Dateca. 1967-1970
bronze
On view
Eugenie Gershoy, Homage to Audrey McMahon (Goddess of Fertility), 1977, papier-mache on wire armature with cut out paper and painted with egg tempera on wood base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1984.76
Homage to Audrey McMahon (Goddess of Fertility)
Artist
Date1977
papier-mache on wire armature with cut out paper and painted with egg tempera on wood base
On view
Eugenie Gershoy, Chaim Gross, 1969, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Chaim and Renee Gross, 1970.75
Chaim Gross
Artist
Date1969
bronze
On view

More Artworks from the Collection

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Pierre Theunis, Namur Hrave les Autrichiens, 1913 (1914?), bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.62
Namur Hrave les Autrichiens
Artist
Date1913 (1914?)
bronze
Not on view
Image Not Available
Tenir
Artist
Date1923
bronze
Not on view
A. Stirling Calder, The Dance of Life Begins Early, 1938, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle, 1972.167.24
The Dance of Life Begins Early
Artist
Date1938
bronze
Not on view
Anthony de Francisci, Bernard M. Baruch Distinguished Service Award (obverse), 1952, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.50
Bernard M. Baruch Distinguished Service Award (obverse)
Artist
Date1952
bronze
Not on view