Jean-Auguste-Dominique IngresFrench, 1780–1867Self-Portrait
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Self-Portrait” now? Collection: Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Cambridge, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
One of the foremost painters of his day, Ingres received critical acclaim for his depictions of French high society. His portraits were frequently compared with photographic daguerreotypes. Based on a known photograph of the artist, this self-portrait — the only one extant by this celebrated painter — demonstrates his engagement with technology in fashioning his self-image. But by thinning his physical frame and coloring his gray hair, the aging artist rendered himself in a more flattering way than the camera did. The glowing eyes, haunting gaze, and fleshy skin of the portrait — all qualities difficult to capture in early photography — further assert Ingres’s belief in the artistic superiority of painting. The painting was originally octagonal, and he expanded it to include his stylish glove and top hat.
Harvard Art Museums
Details
- Accession number
- 1943.253
In the catalog
Sources
- Harvard Art Museums
- Image: Harvard Art Museums — © President and Fellows of Harvard College
