Smoking in Large Hat (Self Portrait) 1888

Marcellin Desboutin created this self-portrait etching, titled "Smoking in Large Hat", sometime in the late 19th century. The artist uses dense, cross-hatched lines to build up the form, creating a rich, almost velvety texture. Notice how the lines vary in direction and density, giving depth to the figure and the oversized hat that dominates the composition. The hat, rather than the face, becomes the focal point, challenging traditional portraiture. Desboutin’s use of etching emphasizes the importance of line. The lines not only depict form but also seem to exist independently, creating a complex interplay of light and shadow. This technique aligns with the broader artistic currents of the time, where artists explored the materiality of their mediums, and in Desboutin’s case, the very essence of the etched line. Ultimately, the portrait is an exploration of texture and form through the medium of etching, pushing the boundaries of representation.