Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Dutch 16th Century. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a black‑and‑white etching depicting a man’s head and shoulders.
About this work
Overview
The work is a black‑and‑white etching depicting a man’s head and shoulders. He is shown wearing a low‑brimmed dark hat and a turned‑up collar, with a serious expression emphasized by tight lines around the eyes and mouth. The composition is largely empty, with only a few loose strokes suggesting the surrounding fabric.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on the sitter’s facial features, conveying a solemn mood through the concentrated line work. The minimal background draws attention to the individual’s expression, suggesting an introspective or formal representation typical of self‑portraiture.
Technique & Style
Created by incising lines into a metal plate, the artist employed the etching process, which allows for fine, controlled scratches that produce a textured, rough quality. This method yields crisp contours and a stark contrast between the dense facial lines and the sparse background.
History & Provenance
The piece is identified as a print, specifically an etching, indicating it was produced in multiples from the original plate. No further provenance details are provided, limiting knowledge of its exhibition or ownership history.
Artist & collection
Artist
This Dutch artist made engravings in the 1550s that retell the biblical story of David and Saul.
