Portrait of Etienne (?) Gonin 1834

Editor: So, this is Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres's "Portrait of Etienne (?) Gonin." It’s a pencil drawing, very delicate, at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is the subject's gaze - it's so direct. What do you see here? Curator: I see the careful construction of masculinity in 19th-century France. Note the subtle details of his clothing: the soft bow and the expertly tailored coat. How does this controlled presentation of self reinforce or challenge the expectations placed on men during that era, particularly within the bourgeoisie? Editor: That's fascinating! I was just focusing on the face. It's interesting how the clothes contribute to this larger cultural picture. Curator: Exactly. Consider how Ingres uses line and shading to convey not just physical likeness, but also social standing and perhaps even aspirations. It is a potent commentary on identity. Editor: Thanks! I’ll definitely look at portraits differently now.