Portrait of a Man by Jean Fouquet

This circular work of paramount historical importance stands as the first autonomous, signed, and dated self-portrait in the history of French art. Entitled “Portrait of a Man”, this enamel miniature is created by the famous painter Jean Fouquet, who here creates a masterpiece of artistic independence and self-affirmation. Through this innovative technical support, the artist leaves a timeless testimony of his own face to posterity.

The bust portrait fits in the center of a perfectly circular medallion with a dark and mystical background. The artist depicts himself in a three-quarter view, his face serious and focused, wearing a simple black chaperon and dressed in a sober dark jacket. His facial features, his attentive eyes, and his firm mouth are drawn with gold leaf with a fineness and a graphics of surgical precision. All around the figure, an inscription in golden capital letters of antique inspiration proudly displays his full name, integrating harmoniously into the composition. The light seems to emanate directly from the precious material, illuminating the face.

Jean Fouquet here demonstrates an outstanding and memorable craftsmanship in the complex technique of painted enamel and fine gilding. The absolute modernity of his approach and the millimeter precision of his brush make this unique medallion an invaluable milestone of the French Renaissance.