Armand Guillaumin created numerous self-portraits throughout his career. In this early example, the muted, brown tones and somber gaze downward in the painting convey seriousness, while the vivid blue, orange, green, and yellow colors in Self-Portrait (2020.129) suggest a confidence echoed by the artist’s direct gaze. Both emotions were experienced by Guillaumin around this time, as he sought to establish himself as a professional artist alongside a full-time job for the French railway system.