Kop van man met korte baard en snor 1778

Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine created this tiny etching of a man's head with short beard and mustache sometime in the late 18th century. Norblin, who lived through the French Revolution, was known for his keen observations of human behavior, often capturing everyday people in intimate settings. This portrait, with its rough lines and unidealized features, offers a glimpse into the lives of those outside the aristocracy. The sitter’s identity is unknown. The man’s gaze is directed away from us. In a society that often prioritized idealized representations, Norblin's focus on the common person was a departure from the norm. The artist seems to be reminding us of the intrinsic value and dignity inherent in every individual, irrespective of their social standing.