Self-Portrait with lace jabot 

Editor: Here we have Maurice Quentin de La Tour's *Self-Portrait with lace jabot,* displayed here at the Musée Cognacq-Jay. I'm immediately drawn in by the artist's slight smirk—there's such an inviting, yet almost knowing quality to it. And what's also fascinating is the materiality, because you can see every particle of pastel, yet there's so much softness. What do you make of this portrait? Curator: You know, when I look at La Tour's self-portrait, I imagine him standing before a mirror, yes, but also playing with the image of himself he wishes to project. Consider the almost theatrical quality of the lace jabot, a flourish that speaks of status, yes, but also hints at a playful personality, wouldn’t you agree? His slightly cocked eyebrow? I find myself thinking, "What secrets are you hiding, monsieur La Tour?" He certainly wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself, don't you think? It's as though he is whispering "Life is too short to be serious" but I wonder what that smile might conceal? Editor: That’s a good point, maybe he is in on some kind of joke? Something I like about this work is his direct gaze. He's really looking *at* the viewer, challenging us somehow. Is that just the realism of the style, or something more? Curator: It's the genius, surely. He understands that the real art is in the unspoken, in the invitation he extends. And I think that's why, all these years later, we are still standing here asking ourselves, "Who *is* this guy?" Editor: Exactly! I now see so many nuances to this portrait. The surface just gave way to so much more. Thanks so much for your insight. Curator: It was my pleasure. Looking again at art and feeling anew? Priceless.