Portrait of a Sculptor 1700 - 1710

Jean-Baptiste Santerre’s *Portrait of a Sculptor* presents us with more than just a likeness; it's a statement about artistic identity in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. During Santerre's lifetime, artists were seeking to elevate their status in society. Here, the sculptor’s elegant attire signals a move away from the image of the craftsman towards that of a cultivated intellectual. Yet, this attempt at social climbing is fraught with tensions. Note how the soft, almost feminine, rendering of his features and clothing challenges traditional notions of masculinity. This portrait complicates the narrative of male artists in the period. The sculptor's gaze, though direct, carries a hint of vulnerability. Is Santerre challenging the conventional representation of male artists? Or is he reflecting the societal pressures and expectations of the time? This portrait invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity, and the emotional labour involved in navigating the art world.