Jean-Baptiste GREUZE (Tournus, 1725 - Paris, 1805) - Lot 153

Jean-Baptiste GREUZE (Tournus, 1725 - Paris, 1805) Self-portrait, circa 1785 Oil on oval canvas. 61.5 x 51 cm An incomparable draftsman detached from the French rocaille taste, which he considered too frivolous, Jean-Baptiste Greuze emphasized the glorification of the sensibility of his subjects, who were meant to uplift the viewer's soul. Renowned for his genre scenes He was also a talented portraitist, taking on numerous commissions and delighting in depicting children. Among these figures, the artist produced a few confidential portraits, his own self-portraits. Greuze," says M. Lecarpentier, who knew him, "was of medium height; he had a strong head, a very large forehead, lively, well-slit eyes and a witty figure. His approach announced frankness and a man of genius; it was even difficult not to say: Voila Greuze, without almost having seen him." (1). In essence, self-portraits do not require commissions. They are personal, intimate works devoid of all artifice, appreciated for the psychological exercise they provide. Of this output, history has recorded more than a dozen portraits of Greuze "by himself" painted throughout his career. Compared with the version in the Musée du Louvre (inv. 5034), our unpublished work could be dated around 1785. Greuze would then be around 60 years old, and appears more fragile and diminished, but his calmer gaze conveys a certain confidence. This latter part of the artist's career gave way to a more sketchy treatment of his subjects, abandoning the precision of lines and contours, while placing particular emphasis on the use of color as a means of expressing the passions on the canvas. expression of passions on canvas. In our self-portrait, we can appreciate the meticulous work carried out on the faithful representation of complexions through thick touches of pink, sometimes brushed, sometimes soft and enveloped. Particular attention is paid to the treatment of the face, and even more so to the psychological intensity of its serene gaze. (1) Charles Blanc "Étude sur Greuze" in L'Artiste Greuze sa vie et son œuvre Sa statue Le musée Greuze, 1868, p. 119. This work is accompanied by a letter from Mr. Edgar Munhall dated August 1, 2007, confirming its authenticity.