Where can I see The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait?

The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait is held by Hamburger Kunsthalle.

What movement is The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait?

The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait

The artist sitting at the table with his family. Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Balthasar Denner. It dates from 1740 and is held in the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

About this work

Overview

In 1740 Balthasar Denner, a German portraitist noted for his exacting treatment of facial features, completed an oil painting that presents himself seated at a table with members of his family. The work exemplifies the Rococo period’s preference for intimate domestic scenes and remains part of the Hamburger Kunsthalle’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition gathers five figures around a modestly arranged table. Denner occupies the central position, dressed in a dark jacket and holding a glass. To his left sits a woman in a white head covering, also with a glass; opposite her is another woman, while two men stand behind her. The setting suggests a quiet, convivial family gathering.

Technique & Style

Denner’s hallmark precision appears in the rendering of subtle facial hair, the delicate folds of the garments, and the fine details of the porcelain teapot, cups, and saucers. His handling of light and shadow creates a gentle chiaroscuro that models the forms without disrupting the overall warmth of the scene.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the painting has been retained in Germany and is now housed in the Hamburger Kunsthalle. The museum’s acquisition records indicate it entered the collection as part of a broader effort to represent 18th‑century German portraiture.