Self-Portrait in Rome

1832

Horace Vernet

(French, 1789–1863)

Culture

France, 19th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 78.5 x 67 x 8 cm (30 7/8 x 26 3/8 x 3 1/8 in.); Unframed: 65 x 54.2 cm (25 9/16 x 21 5/16 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1977.171

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The paper cigarette held by the artist in this self-portrait is a testament to his up-to-date stylishness; the paper cigarette was invented in 1831.

Description

Vernet stands before the Villa Medici, seat of the French Academy in Rome, where he was director from 1829 to 1835. The palette, brushes, and maulstick on the stepladder hint at his talent for painting large canvases. The artist's sideward glance, disheveled hair, and burning cigarette lend him a romantic aura. The recipient of numerous commissions for military paintings, Vernet was patronized by Jérôme Bonaparte (the youngest brother of Napoleon) and later taught at the École des Beaux-Arts.