Le couronnement du peintre 1991

Nicolae Maniu's 1991 self-portrait, *Le Couronnement du peintre*, is a striking example of hyperrealism, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail. The painting depicts the artist's head emerging from a torn canvas, with a pair of hands reaching down from above to place a crumpled crown of gold foil on his head. The stark contrast of the white canvas against the dark background creates a sense of drama and isolation. Maniu's intense gaze and the realistic portrayal of the hands and crown evoke a sense of both humility and power, suggesting the artist's complex relationship with his own creative process.