Self-portrait of the artist in the guise of a mocker

Joseph, Baron Ducreux was a French portrait painter, pastelist, miniaturist, and engraver. A successful portraitist at the court of Louis XVI of France who resumed his career after the French Revolution. He was made a baron and premier peintre de la reine (First Painter to the Queen); and, he drew the last portrait ever made of Louis XVI before the king’s execution. 

His less formal portraits reflect his fascination with physiognomy and show an interest in expanding the range of facial expressions beyond those of official portraiture. As shown by this self-portrait, Ducreux attempted to break free from the constraints of traditional portraiture. Interested in physiognomy, the belief that the study and judgment of a person's outer appearance, primarily the face, reflects their character and personality, he attempted to capture the personality of his subjects, including himself, through his warm and individualistic works. 

This self-portrait of the artist in the guise of a mockingbird, which depicts Ducreux grinning smugly while pointing his finger towards the viewer, was completed circa 1793. 

Over two centuries later Ducreux’ portrait was turned into a series of internet memes... it isn't difficult to guess why :)