File:Self-portrait (by Claude-Jean-Baptiste Hoin).jpg

English: Claude-Jean-Baptiste Hoin (Dijon 1750 - 1817)

Self-portrait

Pastel

Signed and dated lower left par lui-meme: / 1775; cryptogram with date lower right 1775

540 x 450 mm; 21¼ by 17⅝ in.

Arresting and confident in execution, this is a self-portrait, signed and dated 1775, by the Dijon born artist, Claude Jean-Baptiste Hoin. The artist has depicted himself within an oval frame, and looks out towards the viewer with an inquisitive gaze and slightly cocked head. At only 25 years of age, it is a bold, robust and technically assured portrait.

Initially a pupil of Claude-François Devosge in Dijon, Hoin moved to Paris in 1774 where he studied under Jean-Baptiste Greuze, copying many of that artist's works. In addition to his works in pastel, Hoin was also a miniaturist and gouachist and also executed a large number of chalk drawings on blue paper.

Of his work in pastel, Neil Jeffares informs us that they are ‘characterised by strong drawing and animated colours, and he often made use of the di sotto in sù perspective and other theatrical, almost baroque, compositional devices.’ Jeffares also highlights Hoin’s admiration for the Dutch Masters, especially Rembrandt, whose works he copied in pastel and he comments that ‘perhaps he was consciously following in these masters’ footsteps by producing so many self-portraits.’

We are most grateful to Neil Jeffares for informing us that the cryptogram on the present pastel is a Masonic code, which was deciphered by Philippe Nusbaumer, when the pastel was at Galerie Marcus. The Cyptogram reads, 'C I B HOIN P 5775'. Each symbol represents a letter using a well-known Masonic cipher system, described here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pigpen_cipher The numbers signify the year 1775 (in the Masonic dating system, 4000 is added to the year).