Self Portrait as a Young Man 1775 - 1785

Baron Dominique Vivant Denon made this self-portrait as a young man using graphite on paper. The magic of graphite lies in its capacity for delicate mark-making, a quality Denon exploits fully here. Look closely, and you'll see the almost ethereal quality of the shading, achieved through layers of very fine lines. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the image, lending a tactile quality to the portrait. It’s fascinating to consider drawing not just as representation, but also performance. This wasn't just about capturing a likeness; it was a demonstration of skill, a carefully constructed image of the artist as a refined, intellectual being. It speaks to the social importance of artistic accomplishment in the late 18th century. The softness of the medium lends itself well to conveying the character of the sitter. Thinking about this drawing, it blurs the boundary between art and craft, reminding us that both rely on skilled handling of materials.