Autoportrait À Vingt-Quatre Ans 

This self-portrait was made by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, at the start of the 19th century, using oil paint on canvas. Ingres was a master of illusion, and here he deploys that mastery to present himself as both a man of substance, and a creator. Oil paint allows for a build-up of translucent layers, a technique Ingres uses to create a luminous quality, particularly visible in the face and hands. This effect is amplified by the smooth surface of the canvas, and the fine brushwork that renders detail with precision. He represents himself in elegant clothing, a sign of his social standing. Note that this image of confident self-regard, a vision of artistic labor, had to be carefully constructed. It’s easy to overlook the skill involved in grinding and mixing pigments, preparing the canvas, and applying the paint in such a way that the brushstrokes are almost invisible. Understanding these material processes is key to appreciating Ingres's artistic achievement, moving beyond the mere representation to acknowledge the labor and technical skill involved.