Jens Juel painted this self-portrait with a portfolio, sometime in the late 18th century, a period defined by the rise of bourgeois identity. Juel, as a portraitist in Denmark, navigated the complex social hierarchies of his time. He delicately balanced his artistic expression with the expectations of his aristocratic patrons. Here he presents himself in an intimate light, softening the distinction between artist and subject. Note the soft, almost feminine features, and the fashionable turban-like headwear, an object that obscures the boundaries of gender and class. The portfolio is both a tool of his trade and a symbol of his intellectual standing, emphasizing the artist's claim to be more than just a craftsman. He asserts his position in society through his gaze, which makes direct eye contact with the viewer, conveying self-assurance and perhaps a touch of vulnerability. This image suggests a move towards individual expression, capturing the shifting social and cultural values of 18th-century Europe.
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