Portret van de schilder Henri Lehmann 1844 - 1847

Auguste Charles Lemoine created this pencil drawing titled "Portret van de schilder Henri Lehmann". The 19th century was a time where the concept of the artist as a creative genius, often male, became popularized. Lehmann’s confident stance and the artist's focus on his facial features speak to the Romantic era's emphasis on individualism and emotion. Consider, what does it mean to portray another artist? Is it an act of admiration, an assertion of status, or a more complex dialogue between two creative individuals? The drawing also reflects the cultural norms of the time, particularly around masculinity and professional identity. Lehmann is depicted in a way that is both elegant and assured, embodying the ideal of the successful, intellectual artist. It offers a glimpse into the social circles and artistic networks of 19th-century Paris, inviting us to consider the relationships and exchanges that shaped artistic production.