Joseph Ducreux (1735-1802) was a successful French painter known for his unorthodox self-portraits. In 1769, he drew a portrait of Marie Antoinette, which was sent to Louis XVI of France so he could see his bride before he met her. During the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Ducreux went to London where he drew the last portrait of Louis XVI before the king was beheaded by guillotine on the Place de la Révolution in 1793 at the age of 38.

Ducreux returned to Paris shortly after the King's death and continued his career as an artist. His house was a popular gathering place for many other artists and musicians at the time, who would often commission Ducreux to paint their portraits. Since Ducreux never really signed his paintings, many of his works have been attributed to other artists.