Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Gerrit Dou in 1631.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Self-Portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-Portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Gerrit Dou , 1631

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit Dou. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1631, this oil painting is a self-portrait by Gerrit Dou, a Dutch artist associated with the Leiden fijnschilders. Executed on a modest scale, the work exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail that characterises Dou’s output. The portrait is part of the Brooklyn Museum’s collection, where it is displayed among other works of the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a young man with long, wavy brown hair and a fringe, dressed in a dark jacket with a high, buttoned collar and a black beret. His gaze meets the viewer directly, and his expression remains neutral, lending the image a restrained, contemplative tone. The dark background isolates the figure, emphasizing his presence without narrative distraction.

Technique & Style

Dou employs the refined, polished brushwork typical of the fijnschilders, achieving a smooth surface that captures fine textures—from the sheen of the fabric to the subtle highlights on the hair. The limited palette of deep blacks and muted earth tones creates a somber atmosphere, while the precise rendering of light and shadow demonstrates the influence of his teacher, Rembrandt.

History & Provenance

After its creation in Leiden, the portrait entered private collections before being acquired by the Brooklyn Museum in the twentieth century. Its documented provenance traces a path through European collectors, reflecting the continued appreciation of Dou’s meticulous style among connoisseurs of Dutch 17th‑century painting.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Gerrit Dou

Gerrit Dou (pronounced ; 7 April 1613 – 9 February 1675), also known as Gerard Douw or Dow, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, whose small, highly polished paintings are typical of the Leiden fijnschilders.