Zelfportret c. 1785 - 1833

Jean Bernard created this self-portrait using etching techniques, a testament to the artist's engagement with his own likeness. The most potent symbol here is not any overt object, but the profile itself. Consider the profile's appearance throughout history, in ancient coins, Roman busts, and Renaissance portraits. Here, the etching presents the artist in quiet self-reflection. We see the profile not merely as a record of appearance but as a historical emblem. Think of Roman portraiture, where the profile conveyed authority. Over time, this representation has evolved, shifting from power to introspection. What is it about the side view that strips us from the gaze and focuses on an outline to be interpreted? The profile offers a unique psychological perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate the subject's inner thoughts. In the grand theater of human history, the profile persists, reemerging with altered nuances. It is a potent reminder of how images and symbols endure.