Nicolas Poussin - Self-Portrait, detail head [1650] -

Nicolas Poussin -

Self-Portrait, detail head [1650] -

Louvre

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The 56-year-old artist poses with his head turned over his shoulder in a position that transforms his gaze in the mirror, which is repeatedly interrupted during the painting process, into a permanent turn towards the viewer. The wide, precious, shiny coat is draped around his shoulders in such a way that it is reminiscent of an antique toga. The face with its concentrated, serious gaze, illuminated by a bright beam of light from the left, shows shimmering pink skin with fine wrinkles around the eyes. While the right side of the face is brightly illuminated, the left side remains largely shadowed. Bulging, deeply indented wrinkles on the forehead above the root of the nose are intended to identify him as a thoughtful, intellectual artist. The visible signs of advancing age are countered by a thick, dark wig with strong curls. The painter holds his right hand with dignity, leaning on a portfolio; his little finger is adorned with an eye-catching ring with a pyramid-cut diamond.

Done