Portrait of the artist's mother 1892

This bronze artwork in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a portrait of the artist's mother by Daniel Jean-Baptiste Dupuis. Made towards the end of the 19th century, its circular form and textured surface invite a close, tactile experience. The profile of the artist's mother dominates the composition, framed by an inscription that arcs around the edge. Notice how the lines defining her features and drapery are subtly rendered, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow. Dupuis masterfully uses the medium to evoke a sense of quiet dignity. The choice of bronze is significant. As a material, bronze carries historical weight, often associated with commemorative objects and classical sculpture. Dupuis uses this association to elevate the personal portrait to a more universal statement about memory and legacy. It challenges traditional notions of portraiture by combining intimacy with a sense of timelessness. Ultimately, this portrait is not just a depiction of an individual but an exploration of how form and material can convey deeper meanings about time, memory, and representation itself.