Self-Portrait 1750s

Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée painted this self-portrait using oil on canvas, a common yet skillful practice among 18th-century artists. Look closely, and you'll notice how the materiality of oil paint lends itself to a smooth, almost porcelain-like finish on his face, contrasting with the textured fabric of his patterned jacket. The application of paint gives weight and volume to the forms, while the choice of colors creates depth and shadows, capturing the play of light on his features. The floral design on his jacket is intriguing. This would have required significant skill from textile workers, and its presence suggests Lagrenée’s intent to reflect the social and economic context of his time. The artist’s labor is mirrored in that of the weavers and dyers who made his clothing. Paying attention to materials, processes, and the social context allows us to fully appreciate the interplay between craft, design, and art in this portrait, moving beyond traditional hierarchies.