Self-Portrait in Rome

Texto del museo

Vernet stands before the Villa Medici, seat of the French Academy in Rome, where he was director from 1829 to 1835. The palette, brushes, and maulstick on the stepladder hint at his talent for painting large canvases. The artist's sideward glance, disheveled hair, and burning cigarette lend him a romantic aura. The recipient of numerous commissions for military paintings, Vernet was patronized by Jérôme Bonaparte (the youngest brother of Napoleon) and later taught at the École des Beaux-Arts. The paper cigarette held by the artist in this self-portrait is a testament to his up-to-date stylishness; the paper cigarette was invented in 1831.

Descripción original del museo, en inglés. Licencia: CC0