Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Martin Mytens in 1703.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Rijksmuseum.

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

Martin Mytens , 1703

Self-Portrait is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Martin Mytens. It dates from 1703 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is a small-scale portrait presenting a male sitter in three‑quarter view, his bust turned toward the right.

About this work

Overview

The work is a small-scale portrait presenting a male sitter in three‑quarter view, his bust turned toward the right. He wears a dark coat and gazes directly at the viewer, his face illuminated from one side. The expression is restrained, with keen eyes and tightly pressed lips, conveying a measured, introspective presence.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is the artist himself, rendered as a self‑portrait that emphasizes personal resolve and focus. The direct eye contact and controlled demeanor suggest a contemplation of identity, while the subdued palette and modest attire reflect a modest professional status rather than aristocratic display.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on panel, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the face, using a single light source that creates a subtle contrast between illuminated cheek and shadowed jaw. Brushwork is smooth and refined, especially in the rendering of flesh tones, while the dark garment is depicted with broader, more muted strokes, balancing detail and overall unity.

History & Provenance

Initially catalogued as a work by the Dutch portraitist Martin Mytens the Elder, later scholarly assessment has re‑attributed the piece to an unknown hand. The lack of a signature and stylistic divergences from Mytens’ known oeuvre led to this reassignment, leaving the creator anonymous and adding a layer of intrigue to the painting’s provenance.

Context

Self‑portraiture was a common practice among 17th‑century Dutch painters, serving both as a means of personal expression and as a demonstration of skill for potential patrons. This portrait fits within that tradition, offering a candid yet formal representation that aligns with the period’s emphasis on realism and modest self‑presentation.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Mytens

Peter Martin Mijtens the Elder, also spelled Meytens or Mytens (1648–1736), was a Dutch-Swedish painter. Trained in the Dutch Republic, he worked principally there as well.