Self Portrait in a Medallion
The portrait medallion was a format Saint-Aubin often used to flatter others. Here, he depicted himself with a formality rarely seen in his work. He is presented in profile, elegantly coiffed and dressed. His name curves around the border in uppercase lettering reminiscent of Roman antiquity. It is followed by an inscription—"drawn by himself" (dessiné par lui même)—in his typically minuscule handwriting.
In a note of whimsy in an otherwise sober portrayal, a trompe l’oeil ribbon attaches the medal to a planar surface and casts a shadow, a device undoubtedly borrowed from his younger brother’s portrait engravings. This conceit aligns with the idea that the drawing was not simply meant to commemorate himself but to anticipate the approbation of posterity.
In a note of whimsy in an otherwise sober portrayal, a trompe l’oeil ribbon attaches the medal to a planar surface and casts a shadow, a device undoubtedly borrowed from his younger brother’s portrait engravings. This conceit aligns with the idea that the drawing was not simply meant to commemorate himself but to anticipate the approbation of posterity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Self Portrait in a Medallion
- Artist: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (French, Paris 1724–1780 Paris)
- Date: ca. 1764
- Medium: Black chalk with stumping, graphite, pen and gray ink
- Dimensions: Sheet: 4 15/16 × 4 1/8 in. (12.5 × 10.5 cm)
Frame: 10 5/8 × 8 1/4 in. (27 × 21 cm) - Classification: Drawings
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Stephen A. Geiger, in memory of his parents, Howard W. Geiger and Mildred K. Geiger, and in honor of his brother, Julian R. Geiger
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
18th century
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
1753
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
1752
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
1767
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
Etienne Fessard
1755
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.