Self-Portrait 1745 - 1810

Jean Jacques de Boissieu created this self-portrait with red chalk, a medium that lends itself to capturing the nuances of human expression. His gaze, steady and direct, invites introspection. Note the ruffled jabot at his neck, a symbol of status and elegance during the 18th century, which echoes similar adornments seen in portraits of nobility across Europe. One sees this desire for distinction also in ancient Roman portraiture, in which the cut of a toga defines the wearer's position in society. Though the jabot has since disappeared from our daily wear, its psychological essence remains. It resurfaces time and again in fashion as we seek to signal something of ourselves. Consider how Boissieu's subtle smile conveys a sense of self-awareness and composure. This isn't merely a likeness, but a carefully constructed persona, a mask, inviting us to consider the layers of identity we all present to the world, and to ask if such a smile can be trusted.