Artwork

Self-portrait

Self-portrait, by Gerard ter Borch, oil, 1675
Self-portrait, by Gerard ter Borch, oil, 1675

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard ter Borch. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Gerard ter Borch's 1675 self-portrait on copper presents a close-up depiction of the artist, characterized by a curly-haired, dark-bearded man set against a somber background, framed by a thin gold line accentuating his face.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the artist himself, Gerard ter Borch, portrayed in a serious, introspective manner through the use of dark attire and subtle, expressive facial features.

Technique & Style

Employing chiaroscuro, ter Borch utilized deep shadows to create a three-dimensional, realistic effect, highlighting his refined technique in capturing nuanced human expression.

History & Provenance

Created in 1675, the self-portrait is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin's collection, reflecting ter Borch's contribution to the Dutch Golden Age.

Legacy

Ter Borch's skill in conveying subtle expressions influenced subsequent Dutch painters, notably Vermeer and Metsu, underscoring his impact on the era's artistic development.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gerard ter Borch

Artist

Gerard ter Borch

Gerard ter Borch (Dutch: ; December 1617 – 8 December 1681), also known as Gerard Terburg (Dutch: ), was a Dutch Golden Age painter mainly of genre subjects.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.