Self-portrait

Ford Madox Brown 1821-93

Black chalk on light brown paper, drawn 1850 and re-touched 1853

Accession number WAG10505

Purchased for the Walker Art Gallery, 1984

The writing, lower right, states that Brown drew this in 1850 when he was 29, and retouched it in 1853. During these years he was trying to make a name for himself, but was finding it difficult to sell his work. His steadfast gaze vividly expresses his character.

Around this time he introduced his self-portrait into the painting 'The Last of England' in the role of an embittered emigrant, forced by poverty to leave his native land. 'The Last of England' is now in the collections of Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.

In this section

• The next artwork in this section is: 'Lucy Madox Brown'
• Portrait drawings

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