In the picture entitled Self-Portrait by Giovanni Fattori, one can trace certain features of the painter's honesty, strictness, and dedication to realistic concepts. Unlike most other portraits painted with a purpose of depicting glory of their creators, Fattori creates a portrait of himself where there are neither any exaggerations nor any other features except for those reflecting his personality.
The face of the painter depicted in the picture appears rather serious, while the glance of the artist seems to reflect his thoughtful approach to evaluation of both himself and his activities. Thus, it is safe to say that the artist focuses both on external features and himself in the picture.
However, it is necessary to approach the picture from another perspective due to its uniqueness as an expression of painter's artistic integrity. Being an artist associated with Macchiaioli movement, Fattori presents himself as an active participant of it, being a hardworking individual contemplating reality around him.
An honest self portrait, without many exaggerations speaks to the artist's nature. He considers himself an honest man, not too egotistical to shower his portrait with a personality that isn't his. The Macchiaioli were an influential group of 19th century Italian painters. Rejecting rigid academic rules, they championed plein-air painting to capture natural light, shade, and color using distinct, spontaneous patches or macchie of paint. They are widely regarded as forerunners to French Impressionism. Influences of this can clearly be seen in the painting. The artist has a thorough knowledge of his own self and has great self perception, and he wants it to match the way we perceive him, therefore being, natural.
