Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Étienne Liotard. It dates from 1779 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Jean‑Étienne Liotard’s self‑portrait, executed in 1779, is a print that combines roulette and engraving over a mezzotint base on laid paper.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Étienne Liotard’s self‑portrait, executed in 1779, is a print that combines roulette and engraving over a mezzotint base on laid paper. The work presents a solitary figure in a stark, unadorned background, directing attention to the sitter’s facial features and attire.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man with a lined, contemplative face, wearing a fur‑trimmed hat and a heavy coat whose folds are rendered with meticulous detail. His hands are crossed over his chest, a pose that conveys a sense of self‑possession and introspection.
Technique & Style
Liotard employed a combination of roulette—a tool that creates fine, parallel lines—and traditional engraving to define the textures of fur and fabric. These linear marks are layered atop a mezzotint foundation, allowing subtle gradations of tone that enhance the play of light and shadow across the surface.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of Liotard’s career, the print reflects his mastery of printmaking techniques that were popular in the late eighteenth century. The artist’s signature, placed at the bottom of the composition, authenticates the work as a product of his workshop.
Artist & collection
