Self-Portrait on an Easel

Self-Portrait on an Easel is a 1603-1604 oil on panel painting by Annibale Carracci, now displayed in Room 231 of the New Hermitage Building of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg (inv.

An initial underdrawing for the work is visible to the naked eye, showing that the original intention was for the portrait to occupy the whole panel.

A 1603-1605 sketch for the work (Royal Collection, Windsor Castle) [3] shows that option for the work as well as that used in the final version, though the painting made several amendments to the background planned in the second half of the drawing.

During its loan to Italy in 2006 the Hermitage and Uffizi experts carried out a joint study, comparing the work to the Uffizi self-portrait and arriving at a conclusive date of 1603-1604 (the same as the Windsor drawing).

[5] It was acquired by Catherine II of Russia in 1772, placing it in its present home.