Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. In 1822 the French artist Jean‑Augustin‑Dominique Ingres produced a graphite drawing on wove paper that functions as a self‑portrait.
About this work
The signature reads *"Ingres à son ami Monsieur Marcette"*—meaning Ingres drew this for a friend.
This sketch shows a young man in a dark coat with a high collar, looking straight ahead. His hair is neatly combed, and the drawing is done in soft, loose lines. The paper has a slight texture, and the artist signed it in the corner.
The signature reads *"Ingres à son ami Monsieur Marcette"*—meaning Ingres drew this for a friend. The year 1822 is also noted, so it’s an early work.
Next, check out National Gallery of Art, Washington to see more of this artist’s sketches.
Overview
In 1822 the French artist Jean‑Augustin‑Dominique Ingres produced a graphite drawing on wove paper that functions as a self‑portrait. Executed in a compact format, the image presents the artist as a young man in a dark, high‑collared coat, his hair neatly arranged and his gaze directed forward. The work is signed in the lower corner with a dedication to a friend, indicating its personal nature.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Ingres himself, emphasizing a restrained, introspective presence rather than overt dramatization. The plain attire and direct stare suggest a focus on the artist’s identity and professional seriousness, aligning with his self‑perception as a history painter rooted in classical tradition, even as he engaged in the more intimate medium of drawing.
Technique & Style
Rendered with soft, fluid graphite lines, the drawing balances delicacy and precision. The loose strokes convey the texture of the paper and the subtle modeling of facial features, while the crisp delineation of the coat’s collar reflects Ingres’s academic training. The overall effect combines a neoclassical compositional calm with a personal, sketch‑like immediacy.
History & Provenance
The piece bears Ingres’s inscription “Ingres à son ami Monsieur Marcette,” indicating it was created as a gift for a contemporary acquaintance. Dated 1822, it belongs to the early phase of his career, preceding his most celebrated painted portraits. The drawing has since entered public collections, most notably the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it is displayed among other works on paper by the artist.
Context
At the time of its creation Ingres was establishing his reputation within the French Academy, advocating for the ideals of Nicolas Poussin and Jacques‑Louis David. While publicly asserting his role as a history painter, he frequently produced portraits and studies, using drawing as a means to refine his compositional ideas and to maintain connections with patrons and friends.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was a French Neoclassical painter. Ingres was profoundly influenced by past artistic traditions and aspired to become the guardian of academic orthodoxy against the ascendant Romantic…
