Kunstnerindens selvportræt 1783

Marie Jeanne Clemens created this self-portrait in 1783 using graphite and watercolour. This intimate profile view offers insight into the world of female artists in late 18th-century Denmark. Clemens, a woman working within the male-dominated art world of her time, subtly asserts her presence through the very act of self-representation. The delicate medium and soft hues speak to the prevailing aesthetic of the era, influenced by the French Rococo style. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, the portrait also reveals a complex negotiation of identity. The choice of profile, a classical convention, lends a sense of dignity and intellect, while her fashionable hairstyle and dress place her firmly within the social milieu of Copenhagen's elite. To fully appreciate the nuances of this work, we might delve into the archives of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, exploring the opportunities and limitations faced by female artists during this transformative period. We can reflect on how Clemens both embraced and subtly challenged the social norms of her time through the power of her artistic expression.