Self-portrait 1855

Léon Bonnat made this self-portrait in 1855, using oil paint, a medium that by then had a long history of artistic labor behind it. Notice the smooth, almost porcelain-like finish, achieved through layering and blending. Oil paint allowed Bonnat to build up the image gradually, reworking areas until he achieved the desired likeness and mood. The application appears effortless, masking the skill required to create such a realistic depiction. The painting is both a product of its time, and a representation of Bonnat's status. The labor and resources necessary to produce paints, canvas, and brushes were considerable. The creation of art materials was a growing industry tied to wider patterns of production and consumption, and Bonnat's mastery of the medium reflects his access to these resources and training. By focusing on material and process, we can appreciate how much labor, both artistic and industrial, goes into the making of an artwork.