The history of self-portraits in art begins notably during the Renaissance period, specifically around the early 15th century.
The Emergence of Early Self-Depiction
Early self-portraits started to appear in the artistic landscape during the early to middle Renaissance era, which corresponds to roughly the beginning of the 15th century (Gombrich, 2005). This period marked a significant shift in focus towards humanism and the individual, contributing to artists' interest in depicting themselves.
A Potential Early Example
While the practice became more common over time, some art historical sources point to a specific work as potentially the world's first self-portrait. Jan van Eyck's "Portrait of a Man," painted in 1433, has been identified by certain sources as this pioneering self-depiction. This painting serves as an important marker in the initial stages of artists turning the canvas towards themselves.
This early period laid the foundation for the rich tradition of self-portraiture that would evolve significantly through later centuries, with artists exploring identity, technique, and their place in the world through their own image.
