In Selbstporträt in jungen Jahren, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller presents himself as a young man, dressed in period attire. The colors are warm and inviting, with rich browns and soft highlights illuminating his face. His expression is thoughtful, suggesting a sense of introspection.

The background is subtly rendered, allowing the viewer to focus on the figure in the foreground. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for portraits of this era. The brushwork is detailed, particularly in the rendering of Waldmüller's facial features and clothing. The use of light and shadow adds depth, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the figure.

The dimensions are approximately 60 x 80 cm, making it a modestly sized portrait. Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller was a prominent Austrian painter associated with the Romanticism movement. This self-portrait reflects his early artistic style and personal identity during the 1820s. Interestingly, Waldmüller was also known for his genre scenes, which often depicted everyday life.

His work has been influential in the development of Austrian art in the 19th century.