Artists often use the self-portrait as an exercise for investigating their own appearance. In these examples, the painters Bazille and Vernet included palettes and brushes to emphasize their roles as artists. Both look over their shoulder at the viewer, but whereas Bazille posed in front of a neutral background, Vernet depicted himself in a specific location–the Villa Medici, home of the French Academy in Rome, which he directed.

Jean-Frédéric Bazille (1841-1870) Self-Portrait, about 1865 Oil on canvas, 39 x 28 1/4 inches The Art Institute of Chicago. Restricted gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Woods in memory of Mrs. Edward Harris Brewer 1962.336

Horace Vernet (French, 1789-1863) Self-Portrait, 1832 Oil on canvas, 25 1/2 x 22 inches The Cleveland Museum of Art. Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1977.171