Self-portrait, drawing on an etching-plate 1733 - 1797

Pierre François Basan's "Self-portrait, drawing on an etching-plate" is a striking example of 18th-century self-portraiture. This etching, executed between 1733 and 1797, captures the artist in a moment of creative introspection, his hand delicately poised over an etching plate. The detailed rendering of the artist's face, with its expressive features and furrowed brow, highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of Basan's work. This piece is a testament to the self-awareness and technical skill of this prominent French engraver. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.