Gérard de Vesme 1771 - 1779

Pierre Pasquier created this miniature portrait of Gérard de Vesme with graphite and gouache on ivory. The composition is striking, an oval format in which the sitter is positioned centrally. The muted tones and delicate brushwork contribute to a sense of intimacy, almost as if capturing a fleeting moment. Pasquier skillfully manipulates light and shadow to model de Vesme's features, bringing a sense of volume and life to the small-scale portrait. The silver frame around the oval intensifies the sense of preciousness but also acts as a boundary, setting the image apart. This boundary challenges the eye to focus more closely on the sitter's expression and the detailed textures of his attire. The structure of the portrait, in its formal presentation, invites us to question the dynamics of portraiture itself. It prompts us to explore the relationship between appearance, identity, and representation, echoing broader philosophical inquiries into the self and its visual depiction.