Self-portrait

Jean-Gabriel Eynard

about 1851

Daguerreotype

J. Paul Getty Museum

A man in formal attire sits with his hands clasped, looking towards the viewer. He is framed by an oval mat and a dark border. His top hat positioned on the table beside his elbow, Jean-Gabriel Eynard appears self-satisfied, and he might well have been. By his own efforts he had become rich; he had played a significant part in the history of Switzerland, his adopted country; and, by his generous funding, he had helped secure Greek independence from Turkey. As if to illuminate his success, glints of light reflect from his wedding ring and from the watch chain cutting across his elaborate waistcoat.