Self Portrait (fragment) (also known as Self Portrait Wearing a Summer Hat) Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894)

The fragment presents a close-up portrait of a young man facing directly toward the viewer. He is positioned centrally within the composition, commanding immediate attention. The artist has chosen to depict him wearing a straw hat with a blue ribbon woven through it, which dominates the upper portion of the frame and casts subtle shadows across his face.
The subject’s expression appears contemplative, perhaps even slightly melancholic. His gaze is direct but not confrontational; theres an element of introspection suggested by the downward tilt of his eyes. A neatly trimmed beard and mustache add to a sense of considered self-presentation. The skin tones are rendered with a nuanced palette, capturing both warmth and subtle shadows that suggest natural light.
The artist’s brushwork is loose and visible, contributing to a feeling of immediacy and informality. This technique softens the edges of the figure and creates a textured surface that invites closer inspection. The background is indistinct, composed of blurred greens and browns, which serves to isolate the subject and focus attention on his features and attire.
The choice of a summer hat suggests a connection to nature or leisure, potentially hinting at an idealized self-image. It could also be interpreted as a symbol of rural life or a rejection of urban formality. The cropped composition – the portrait is clearly a fragment – creates a sense of intimacy, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment. This truncation also contributes to the feeling that we are seeing only a carefully selected aspect of the subject’s identity. Overall, the work conveys an impression of quiet self-awareness and understated dignity.