Artwork
Self Portrait at approximately 60 years of age
Self Portrait at approximately 60 years of age is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Engel Sam. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Engel Sam’s oil portrait, dated 1762, presents the artist at roughly sixty years of age. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and measures the mature phase of Sam’s self-representation, offering a direct visual record of his appearance and demeanor in the later years of his life.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, identified as Engel Sam himself, is rendered with a calm, introspective air. His gaze is lowered, and his right hand rests near his chest, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The subdued expression and posture convey a sense of personal reflection rather than overt display.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait employs chiaroscuro to model the figure against a dark backdrop. Light falls gently on the face, highlighting the contours of the cheekbones and the texture of the white ruffled collar, while the surrounding shadows deepen the three‑dimensional effect and focus attention on the subject’s features.
History & Provenance
Created in 1762, the painting has remained in the Netherlands and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. Its provenance traces a straightforward path from the artist’s studio to the museum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s representation of 18th‑century Dutch portraiture.
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