Artwork
Self-portrait

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
Artist
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.



















