Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Jacob van der Kerckhoven in 1694.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Uffizi Gallery.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Jacob van der Kerckhoven , 1694

Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob van der Kerckhoven. It dates from 1694 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

The canvas presents Jacob van der Kerckhoven portraying himself in 1694. Dressed in a red, gold‑embroidered robe over a white shirt, he holds a palette and brushes, his left hand resting on a table. A dark backdrop, tinged with a subtle red wash on the left, frames the figure, emphasizing his contemplative pose.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a personal statement, showing the artist at work. By displaying his tools and a thoughtful expression, van der Kerckhoven underscores the identity of the painter‑craftsman, aligning with the self‑portrait tradition that linked artistic skill with intellectual introspection.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the figure’s volume against the tenebrous background. The palette reveals primary hues—red, blue, yellow—while the brushwork is precise, especially in the orderly arrangement of the brushes. The overall handling reflects Dutch Golden Age portrait conventions, adapted within an Italian context.

History & Provenance

Born in Antwerp, van der Kerckhoven moved to Venice, where he was known as Giacomo da Castello and gained reputation for still lifes and animal scenes. This self‑portrait, created during his Venetian period, entered the Uffizi Gallery’s collection, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of 17th‑century European art.