Selvportræt 1779 - 1780

This self-portrait was made by Jens Juel, probably in the late 18th century, and is rendered in delicate pencil on paper. The circular composition contains a profile of a man whose gaze is directed slightly upward, conveying a sense of both introspection and aspiration. Note the artist’s careful attention to line and form, particularly in the subtle gradations of shading that define the contours of the face and the soft curls of the wig. The material handling is restrained yet precise, typical of the neoclassical style, and invites us to consider the work’s construction, not only as a representation but also as a study in tonal values and textures. In many ways, this work functions semiotically, conveying status and self-regard. It reflects the subject’s understanding of how to present himself within the cultural codes of his time. The work encourages us to consider the artist's awareness of line and form as tools not just for depiction but for constructing identity.