Self-portrait c. 1858

Mariano Fortuny Marsal painted this self-portrait using oil on canvas. The traditional materials immediately place it in the realm of fine art, but let's consider it in a broader context. Notice the way Fortuny drapes himself with fabric. The shawl has a woven pattern, the shirt is probably silk, and the way he has depicted them elevates the importance of textiles, and the labor that went into their creation. The fact that Fortuny chose to depict these materials so lovingly suggests an awareness, even a celebration, of the craft traditions involved. We can see the artist’s skill in capturing the texture and drape of the fabrics, how the light catches the woven pattern. Fortuny isn't just painting a likeness, but celebrating artistry and craftsmanship that is often separate from the ‘high arts’. By emphasizing these aspects, Fortuny challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.