img169 Gustave Dore (1832-1883)

The drawing presents a bust portrait rendered in meticulous detail through cross-hatching and stippling techniques. The subject is a man with elaborate, powdered hair styled into voluminous curls that frame his face. His expression appears somewhat haughty or affected; the lips are pursed, and the eyes possess a narrow quality suggesting disdain or self-importance. A prominent nose and chin contribute to an overall impression of a character defined by perceived intellectual superiority.
The bust rests upon a substantial pedestal. The base is decorated with a heraldic shield bearing the inscription Mendace Veritas, which translates from Latin as “Lying Truth.” This phrase immediately introduces a layer of irony and critique into the work. The placement of this motto directly beneath the portrait suggests that the subject’s outward appearance or claimed virtues are deceptive, masking an underlying falsehood.
The artists choice to depict the figure in monochrome enhances the sense of formality and distance. The lack of color directs attention towards the meticulous rendering of texture – the curls of hair, the folds of clothing, the contours of the face – all contributing to a heightened realism that paradoxically serves to underscore the satirical intent.
The inclusion of Canova sc. 1766 at the bottom indicates the artist and date of creation. This detail anchors the work within a specific historical context, likely referencing a contemporary figure or type. The drawing’s style aligns with the caricatural tradition prevalent during the Enlightenment era, where societal figures were often subjected to satirical representations that exposed hypocrisy and vanity.
Ultimately, this drawing is not merely a portrait; its a commentary on appearances versus reality, suggesting that outward presentation can be misleading and that truth may lie hidden beneath a veneer of respectability.