Artwork
L'amant de lui-mesme
L'amant de lui-mesme is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Blaise Simonet. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Executed on paper, the work measures modestly and presents a monochrome scene rendered through etched and engraved lines.
Jean-Baptiste Blaise Simonet’s print *L’amant de lui‑mesme* is an 18th‑century engraving executed in 1778. Executed on paper, the work measures modestly and presents a monochrome scene rendered through etched and engraved lines. The composition captures a domestic interior populated by two elegantly dressed gentlemen, a small table, a mirror, and assorted furnishings that convey a refined, private atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a seated man holding a diminutive hand‑mirror, his gaze directed downward, while a second figure stands nearby, adjusting his coat and holding a fan. The title, translating roughly as “the lover of himself,” suggests a moment of self‑admiration or vanity, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of self‑reflection and the performative aspects of aristocratic identity.
Technique & Style
Simonet combines etching and engraving to achieve a delicate interplay of line and tone. Fine cross‑hatching renders the textures of silk and brocade, while deeper engraved strokes define architectural elements such as the carved doorway moldings and the tall wall clock. The contrast between the soft, stippled areas and the crisp, incised outlines creates a sense of depth within the limited scale of the print.
History & Provenance
Created in 1778, the print belongs to the later phase of Simonet’s career, a period when French printmakers frequently explored intimate genre scenes. Although specific ownership records are scarce, the work has appeared in several 19th‑century catalogues of French engravings and is now held in public collections that specialize in 18th‑century graphic art.
Artist & collection
