Self-Portrait 1745 - 1760

Gerrit Backhuijzen made this self-portrait in oil on canvas sometime in the mid-18th century. He presents himself as a maker, but one whose skills cross boundaries. Oil painting at this time was a firmly established fine art medium. Yet Backhuijzen surrounds himself with the tools of music: a flute in his hand, a violin and music stand beside him. The skull perched at the top left reminds us of *memento mori,* and the fleeting nature of life. The value of this work lies as much in Backhuijzen's skills as a musician, as it does with his artistic talent with the brush. These are very different kinds of labor, but both are forms of skilled work that Backhuijzen has mastered. Consider, too, the social context: amateur music-making was a popular pastime, while professional musicians were often regarded as tradesmen rather than artists. Backhuijzen seems to be making a statement about the breadth of his abilities, and perhaps about the status of the arts in general. Ultimately, this painting encourages us to look beyond the usual categories of art and craft.