Self-Portrait 1785

Jean-Baptiste Greuze painted this self-portrait, now held in the Louvre, with oil on canvas. Notice the artist’s gaze—direct and self-assured. Such a confident, almost confrontational stare, has roots stretching back to antiquity. Think of Roman portrait busts, conveying authority. In the Renaissance, this assertive look evolved, embodying humanism's celebration of the individual. Consider, too, the loose, flowing cravat at his neck. This detail recalls the nonchalant elegance seen in portraits of artists through the ages, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh. It’s a symbol of creative freedom, breaking away from the rigid formality of courtly dress. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.