Artwork
Self-Portrait with a Cigarette
Self-Portrait with a Cigarette is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Self-Portrait with a Cigarette is a lithograph created by French illustrator Paul Gavarni (pseudonym of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier) in 1842. Executed in black ink on chine collé, the print is a self-representation of the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Gavarni himself, portrayed in a relaxed, everyday moment, characterized by the casual act of holding a cigarette. His attire includes a dark coat and white collar, with curly, disheveled hair and a slightly forward-leaning posture.
Technique & Style
The lithograph features a quick, sketchy style marked by loose lines and expressive shading, prioritizing immediacy over sharp details. This approach was typical of 19th-century lithographic practices, emphasizing spontaneity and creative freedom.
History & Provenance
Created in 1842, the work reflects Gavarni's activity as a prominent illustrator in 19th-century Paris. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Produced during a period when lithography was a popular medium for artistic expression and reproduction, the self-portrait showcases Gavarni's adaptability to this technique, commonly used for both artistic and illustrative works during the 1800s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Gavarni was the pen name of Sulpice Guillaume Chevalier (13 January 1804 – 24 November 1866), a French illustrator, born in Paris.
