The artwork, titled “Self-Portrait” and attributed to the artist Jean Fouquet, dates back to approximately 1450. Created using enamel, cameo, and copper, this piece is an exemplar of the Northern Renaissance art movement and belongs to the genre of self-portraiture. Currently housed in the Louvre in Paris, France, this artwork showcases the intricate techniques and stylistic elements distinctive of its era.
The artwork depicts a portrait of Jean Fouquet, rendered with meticulous detail through the medium of enamel on a round copper base. The subject’s face is shown with a solemn expression, with a notable attention to lifelike detail and texture, characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. The use of dark background contrasts with the illuminated, golden script encircling the portrait, bearing the name “IOHES FOVQVET”. This illuminated script and the gold halo-like border emphasize the significance and reverence held for the subject, reflecting Renaissance ideals of individualism and humanism.
