Zelfportret van Cornelis van Noorde 1763

Cornelis van Noorde created this self-portrait print in 1763. Van Noorde lived in a time when the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant social and political changes. As a draftsman, printmaker, and painter, he occupied a unique position, straddling the line between artisan and artist. Here, Van Noorde depicts himself holding a print, perhaps a nod to his craft. What strikes me is how he presents himself: confident, skilled, and intellectual. The way he positions himself, caught in the act of working, speaks to the changing status of the artist in the 18th century. Artists were starting to see themselves as more than just craftsmen; they were intellectuals with something to say. This image reflects the burgeoning sense of self-awareness and professional identity among artists during this period. It captures a moment of transition, when artists began to assert their intellectual and social standing.