Focus on Self-portrait (David) and discuss the Analysis.
David only ever painted three self-portraits, this being his final one. He would never publicly display any of his self-portraits and ended up giving this portrait to his pupil Jean-Baptiste Isabey. These facts have led art historians to regard the creation of self-portraits by David as an exercise in self-identity and reflection. His arrest and the execution of Robespierre along with his followers marked the end of David's political career, and, due to his more active role in the previous regime, David may have felt a need to re-evaluate his own identity.In this painting, David chose to depict not only his bust, but also his hands holding a brush and palette. It is said that this may have been a strategic move by David to avoid execution by reinforcing his identity as a painter over a political activist. This theory is supported by David's decision to depict a younger version of himself with rosy cheeks, messy hair, and in a romantic style to push the idea that he is a simple, naïve painter. David's depiction of his face and expression shows that he lacks awareness, assuring the viewer that while David did take political action, he lacked foresight and goals.Some scholars point out the way David depicted the tumor on his face, particularly the way it splits his face asymmetrically. The left side of his face droops down causing a furrowed brow and slight frown. It is suggested that this composition combined with the shadow covering his face implies a sense of seriousness and determination. However, the right side of his face shows a different person with a much gentler look. The art historian Douglas Cooper argued that this split represents the two sides of David, a political activist and an innocent painter.
Jean-Baptiste Isabey Robespierre