Painted by himself 

Jehan Georges Vibert probably made this satirical oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th century. Vibert lived in a France undergoing massive social change, where the influence of the church was hotly debated, and he made a career painting scenes that critiqued clerical life. In this piece, a cardinal proudly displays his painted self-portrait to a younger nobleman and an older bishop, perhaps seeking their approval, or even their envy. The opulence of the room speaks to the wealth and privilege of the clergy at the time, while the expressions of the figures hint at underlying tensions and rivalries. Vibert challenges the traditional, often reverential, portrayals of religious figures in art, instead offering a glimpse into their world of vanity and power dynamics. This painting invites us to reflect on the ways in which institutions maintain their authority and how individual identities are shaped by societal roles and expectations. It raises questions about the intersection of faith, power, and personal ambition.