Self-portrait in a soft hat and a patterned cloak 1805 - 1844

Ignace-Joseph de Claussin made this self-portrait etching sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This image creates meaning through visual codes and historical associations, particularly with the art institutions of the time. The artist's soft hat and patterned cloak might be interpreted as a reference to earlier artists, signaling the importance of tradition. France during this period was undergoing significant social and political change, but art institutions like the Académie des Beaux-Arts maintained conservative standards, often looking to the past for inspiration. Claussin’s work subtly comments on these structures. Is he embracing tradition, or critiquing the conservative standards of the art world? Understanding art involves researching the social conditions and institutional contexts in which it was made. By exploring archives, period publications, and exhibition records, we can better understand the public role of art and the politics of imagery in 19th-century France.