Self-Portrait c. 1774 - 1789

Jean-Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine created this self-portrait etching in the late 18th or early 19th century. Norblin, who served as court painter to Polish aristocracy during a politically turbulent time, captures himself at work, his gaze direct and introspective. Think about what it meant for an artist during the Enlightenment to portray themselves not in the glory of finished work, but in the intimate process of creation. What does it tell us? Note how Norblin positions himself in relation to his art: it’s not just a profession, but an integral aspect of his identity. The self-portrait, a visual statement of self-awareness and intention, invites us to consider the intersection of personal identity and artistic practice, especially within a world undergoing radical social and political transformations. Norblin's portrayal suggests a quiet rebellion, finding power in the act of creation itself.