Self Portrait 1738

This is a diminutive self-portrait made by Balthasar Denner, sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Rendered in meticulous detail using watercolour on ivory, two oval portraits sit side by side: Denner to the left, and a female sitter to the right. The exquisite precision of Denner’s technique invites close scrutiny. The tight brushwork and smooth finish speak to the Enlightenment’s emphasis on empirical observation and scientific accuracy. Notice how the artist's focus is on capturing the minute textures of skin, hair, and fabric. The paired ovals, traditionally associated with pendants or lockets, evoke ideas about mirroring and duality. Here, the artist seems to be exploring not only likeness but also the philosophical implications of representation itself. Placed within the context of 18th-century debates about identity and perception, this self-portrait becomes a fascinating meditation on the act of seeing and being seen. We're left to consider the artist's intent and the cultural values embedded within this visually stunning object.