Self-portrait 1876

This terracotta self-portrait was made by Daniel Jean-Baptiste Dupuis in 1876. Encased in a circular format, the work immediately evokes the visual language of commemorative medals and coins, traditionally used to immortalize historical figures. Dupuis challenges this convention by presenting himself not as a ruler or military leader but as an artist. The profile view, a classical trope, is rendered with a stark realism that emphasizes the materiality of the terracotta itself. The fine lines and subtle gradations in texture invite a close examination of the surface, highlighting the artist's skill in manipulating the medium. The circular frame, inscribed with his name and profession, acts as a boundary, defining the space within which Dupuis constructs his identity. By situating himself within this established form, Dupuis elevates the status of the artist, asserting its value within the cultural landscape. The structural integrity and its tactile presence, serve to underscore the artist's claim to lasting recognition.