Self-Portrait, Medallion, No.2, 11th plate 

Alphonse Legros created this self-portrait medallion around 1905, using etching to capture his likeness. Born in France but working primarily in Britain, Legros navigated the complex social landscapes of both countries. The medallion format itself harkens back to classical portraiture, yet Legros infuses it with a distinctively modern sensibility. Look at how he presents himself: in profile, a traditional pose of authority and intellect, yet rendered with a softness that invites intimacy. The inscription "Pictor" --Latin for painter-- alongside his name asserts his identity and place within the art world. What does it mean for an artist to portray themselves? Is it an act of ego, or a moment of vulnerable self-reflection? Legros, who taught at the Slade School of Art, would have been very aware of his public image. The question this work asks is how do we wish to be seen? How do we inscribe ourselves into the broader cultural narrative? This print becomes a tender exploration of self-awareness and legacy.