Portrait of a Man with a Moustache (Supposed Self Portrait) 1630

This is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's "Portrait of a Man with a Moustache (Supposed Self Portrait)", of indeterminate date, a drawing rendered with black chalk. Bernini, the preeminent sculptor of his era, lived in a time profoundly shaped by the Catholic Church, and his art was often intertwined with its power and religious fervor. It's hard not to wonder about the image's title, Supposed Self Portrait. Bernini creates a striking image that is also somehow questioning or uncertain. Consider the role of the male artist in the 17th century, a period where artistic genius was often associated with masculine traits. Was Bernini subtly challenging the established notions of self-representation or perhaps engaging in a bit of self-deprecation? Bernini’s exploration of identity prompts us to consider the intricate relationship between the artist, their self-perception, and the gaze of society. The emotional and psychological depth of the piece resonates through time, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of human identity.