The artwork “Self Portrait” by Jacques-Louis David, dating from 1791, is an oil on canvas with dimensions of 64 x 53 cm. As an exemplar of the Neoclassicism art movement, this self-portrait is currently housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. The genre of the piece is both a self-portrait and a portrait, reflecting the artist’s own image and sense of self.
The artwork presents Jacques-Louis David himself, with a focused and penetrating gaze that directly engages the viewer. As a hallmark of the Neoclassical style, the portrait is characterized by a restrained palette, a clear and sharp delineation of the figure, and a denouncement of extraneous decorative elements, which places a primacy on the subject’s inner life and character. David’s visage is rendered with meticulous attention to facial features, capturing the textures of his skin and the expressiveness of his eyes. His attire is elegant and simple, reflective of the fashion of the late 18th century, and suggestive of his social standing and intellectual prowess. The background is subdued, allowing the figure to stand out and further emphasizing the candid and intimate nature of this self-portrayal.
