Self-Portrait with a Visor c. 1776

"Self-Portrait with a Visor," c. 1776, is a pastel drawing by the French painter Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, known for his still lifes and genre scenes. This intimate portrait depicts Chardin in his later years, wearing a white turban and glasses, his face illuminated by soft light. The blue visor, possibly a painter's tool, and the loosely tied scarf suggest a casual, almost domestic setting. This self-portrait demonstrates Chardin's mastery of pastel, creating a subtle, yet realistic depiction of the artist's age and temperament. It is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.