Before Robert Hughes became an internationally renowned art critic and writer, he was an artist. At twenty-one, he had dropped out of an architecture and law degree at the University of Sydney to pursue art and despite no formal training became a Wynne Finalist in 1951, a Sulman Prize finalist in 1961 and in 1960, entered the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
 
‘Self Portrait’ (1959) comes from this juncture in his life. It is an exceptionally rare self portrait, diverging from Hughes’s typical style which was dark and near abstract, influenced by Ancient Greek mythology. In contrast, the elongated ‘Self Portrait’ is clear in its figuration, recalling Hughes’s other pastime: drawing political cartoons. Here, he is pictured in a loose suit against a burgundy backdrop, eyebrow cocked appraisingly. The critic, then a friend to bohemian coterie the ‘Sydney Push’, is present.
 
When writing picked up, Hughes largely abandoned painting. He would go on to write for The Observer, Sunday Times, produce dozens of art documentaries for BBC-TV and write several hugely influential books. In 1970 he was hired as the art critic for Time magazine. ‘Self Portrait’ represents one of the last examples of his artistic practice and his only known self portrait to this calibre. It is a snapshot of an era and nascent icon, a young man on the brink of great things.
 
For collectors of Australian art, portraiture and admires of Hughes’s wit, courage and integrity, ‘Self Portrait’ is a prize.
 

Robert HUGHES (1938 - 2012)
'Self Portrait' 1959
Oil on board
Image Size: 122 x 61 cm
Dimensions: 123 x 62 x 5 cm
Signed: Signed top right: HUGHES 59
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Additional painting on verso, signed HUGHES 58 bottom left.
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
 
(c) The Artist or Assignee