Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter de Hooch. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
In 1648 Pieter de Hooch painted an oil self‑portrait that stands apart from his usual genre scenes. The work presents the artist alone, set against a dark, unadorned backdrop that isolates his face and emphasizes his thoughtful expression. Though modest in scale, the portrait offers a rare glimpse of the painter’s own likeness during the height of the Dutch Golden Age.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is depicted with short, dark hair, a sober gaze, and attire typical of the period—a dark collar complemented by a light, starched ruff.
The sitter is depicted with short, dark hair, a sober gaze, and attire typical of the period—a dark collar complemented by a light, starched ruff. The plain background directs attention to his features, suggesting a contemplative self‑representation rather than a narrative scene. The serious demeanor may reflect de Hooch’s personal identification with the quiet dignity found in his domestic interiors.
Technique & Style
De Hooch employs delicate brushwork to model the transition between light and shadow on the face and collar, creating a subtle chiaroscuro effect. The soft gradations of tone convey the texture of flesh and fabric while maintaining the restrained palette characteristic of his broader oeuvre. This handling of illumination mirrors the artist’s skill in rendering interior light in his better‑known household compositions.
History & Provenance
The portrait has remained in the Netherlands and is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Its attribution to de Hooch aligns with his membership in Delft’s Guild of St. Luke, where he worked alongside contemporaries such as Jan Vermeer. The painting’s survival in a public institution ensures continued scholarly access to this personal work by a painter chiefly celebrated for his genre scenes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Hendricksz. de Hooch (Dutch: ; also spelled Hoogh or Hooghe; bapt. 20 December 1629 – after 1683), was a Dutch Golden Age painter famous for his genre works of quiet domestic scenes with an open doorway. He was a…
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