Self-Portrait, Laughing (Le rieur)

1791

Joseph Ducreux

Associated Names
Joseph Ducreux

Artist, French, 1735 - 1802

The image is an engraved portrait of a man's upper body, shown in a three-quarter view. The man is slightly turned to the side, with his face looking towards the viewer. He has distinct facial features, including a pronounced nose and a slight smile. His hair is styled in a typical 18th-century fashion, tied back with a ribbon. He is wearing a coat that appears to be formal attire of the time, possibly with a high collar. The image is monochrome, highlighting the details of the engraving. The background has lined shading, directing focus to the man. An artist's inscription is visible below the portrait, providing creator and publication details.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 37.7 × 27 cm (14 13/16 × 10 5/8 in.)
    plate: 29.6 × 21.4 cm (11 5/8 × 8 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2021.39.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Baudicour, no. 2, State ii/ii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Paul Prouté [1887 - 1981], Paris (Lugt 2103c); (Paul Prouté, S.A., Paris); purchased 2020 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1859

  • de Baudicour, Prosper. Le peintre-graveur français continué, ou catalogue raisonné des estampes gravees par les peintres et les dessinateurs de l'école française nés dans le XVIIIe siècle. Paris, 1861: no. 2, ii/ii

Inscriptions

in plate, at bottom center: Invented & Engraved by J. Ducreux Painter to the King of France, / to His Imperial Majesty & Principal Painter to the Queen of France / London, Publish'd by the Author, Feb. 21, 1791; verso: none

Markings

Paul Prouté (Lugt 2103c)

Watermarks

IP


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