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Identification of Autoportrait by Charles Cottet

In this intimate work titled Autoportrait, the artist Charles Cottet turns his gaze toward himself. This self-portrait is rendered as a three-quarter bust, capturing the artist in a moment of quiet introspection. It was painted between 1880 and 1889, a period that captures the early development of his hand. The work offers a direct encounter with the man behind the canvas, presented with a sense of stillness that invites closer observation.

Charles Cottet was born on July 12, 1863, in Le Puy-en-Velay, France. His life and artistic evolution eventually led him to Paris, where he passed away on September 20, 1925. This Autoportrait remains a significant piece from his formative years, providing a glimpse into the identity of a painter who would go on to influence the visual language of his era. The composition focuses on the individual, stripping away the distractions of the external world to focus on the presence of the sitter.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

Presented in a landscape format, this work offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's workspace. The subject is captured in a three-quarter bust view, positioned directly in front of a canvas. He is depicted wearing a beret, a detail that grounds the portrait in the quiet reality of the studio. The composition focuses on the man as he engages with his craft, creating a sense of stillness within the interior setting.

The palette is defined by a deep, Phthalo Green, which contributes to the overall atmosphere of the piece. There is a certain dark luminance to the colors, lending a weight to the shadows and a quiet intensity to the light. This tonal approach avoids bright, superficial highlights, opting instead for a more somber and controlled application of pigment that emphasizes the physical presence of the artist and his tools.

Physical Details and Provenance

This work is presented in a landscape format, measuring 65 cm in height and 54 cm in width. The artist’s hand is clearly visible in the signature and date located at the bottom right, which reads "Ch.Cottet. 1888". The primary color palette is dominated by phthalo green, lending a certain weight to the composition. It is a substantial piece, housed within a frame that reaches 79 cm in height and 68.2 cm in width, with a depth of 4.8 cm.

The history of the object is recorded through various markings on its reverse. The chassis bears an old label from "ARTHUR LENARS & Cie" and another noting "Mr Cottet". There is also an etiquette from "BERHEIM - JEUNE" regarding a retrospective held in November 1984. These physical traces offer a quiet glimpse into the painting's movement through private collections and exhibitions over the decades.

Current Location and Museum Collection

This work resides within the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper, a significant institution located in Quimper, France. It is held as part of the museum's permanent collection, where it is cataloged under the inventory number 69-2-1. The piece is currently held in the public domain, ensuring its continued availability for study and appreciation within the museum's holdings.

The presence of this portrait in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Quimper allows for a direct connection to the regional history of the artist. It remains a quiet part of the institution's curated selection, preserved for those who visit the museum to observe the specific nuances of Cottet's hand. The work is maintained within the museum's specialized archives, where its physical condition is carefully managed.