William Kentridge (b. 1955) is an internationally acclaimed South African artist renowned for his dynamic prints, drawings, large-scale installations, and animated films. Through his practice, he balances universal experiences with the complexity of South African political history and society.
Born in Johannesburg to two prominent lawyers active in anti-apartheid efforts, Kentridge’s proximity to the dissolution of apartheid gave him a unique social sensitivity. His upbringing would shape the socio-political lens that informed his work as an artist.
Kentridge is somewhat of a polymath. Having pursued formal education across politics, fine art, miming, and theater, it comes as no surprise that his work cannot be contained to the bounds of a single medium. Prints have held an important position in his oeuvre over the past 50 years, and he has made more than 500 prints since the 1970s, including lithographs, screenprints, linoleum cuts, monotypes, and etchings--his preferred medium.
This print is a self-portrait. Staring down at the viewer, Kentridge is portrayed shakily but sturdy in his stance. Short, tense lines compose his facial features, shading under his left eye and on his neck. The linework is choppy, quick, and intense, giving the portrait an eerie hurried feeling. The subject stares in earnest, the viewer unable to escape his gaze. What is he saying or urging us to do? What is being implied?
Requiring commitment and careful consideration, Kentridge's portraits offer layered meanings to dedicated viewers, permeating in their minds long after they've disengaged from active looking.
This print was created during at an important time in the artist's career, around when he had an impressive comprehensive travelling survey, originally organized by the SFMoMA and the Norton Museum of Art, and showing at the MoMA, and the Modern, among others.
William Kentridge's works are held in the collections of the Tate, the Pompidou, and the MoMA, among many other prestigious institutions. He was more recently the subject of a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy in London in 2022.
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
“Self Portrait”
South Africa, 2010-2011
Drypoint on Hahnemühle Copperplate Warm White paper
Signed, numbered "6 of 12" and dated "10" by the artist in pencil, lower edge
Published by the Brodsky Center at PAFA, Philadelphia.
10.5”H 8.5”W (sheet)
16.5"H 14.5"W (framed)
Very good condition
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.