Hubert Robert 1787

This portrait of Hubert Robert was drawn by Jean-Baptiste Isabey, likely at the end of the 18th century. Robert is holding a portfolio, a symbol of his profession as a painter and draughtsman, yet also a nod to a deeper connection between the artist and his craft. The portfolio is a fascinating object, echoing the tools of the ancient scribes, preserving knowledge across generations. The simple act of holding this bundle connects Robert to a long lineage of creators, each striving to capture and convey their vision. Consider the evolution of this motif. From ancient tablets to Renaissance sketchbooks, artists have used these tools as extensions of their minds, a means to translate fleeting thoughts into tangible forms. The portfolio in Robert’s hands is more than just a carrier of sketches, it's a vessel of his artistic soul. It’s a reservoir of collective memory, each image a silent echo of past experiences, ready to be awakened by the beholder.