The artwork “Self-Portrait” by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, created in 1858, is an oil on canvas that reflects the Neoclassicism movement. It measures 66 cm by 56 cm and falls within the genre of self-portraiture. This esteemed piece is housed in the Uffizi Gallery, located in Florence, Italy.
The artwork presents a stern and focused depiction of the artist himself, characteristic of the self-reflective nature of self-portrait genre. Ingres is represented with a direct and confronting gaze, bordering on severity, which engages the viewer in an intense visual dialogue. His visage is rendered with precise detail, highlighting the chiaroscuro typical of the period, emphasizing the volume and form of his facial features. The dark, somber tones of his clothing contrast with the lighter tones of his face, creating a solid focal point. There is an evident mastery in brushwork and color usage that exemplifies Ingres’s skill and contributes to the subdued dignity capture in this work. The oval format of the portrait, encased by an elliptical frame, adds an element of intimacy and concentrative focus, further enhancing the artwork’s gravitas.
