Zelfportret van Tjeerd Eernstman 1820 - 1886

This is a self-portrait of Tjeerd Eernstman, made with graphite, and housed here in the Rijksmuseum. The artist presents himself with a direct gaze, framed by soft, curling hair, a style that evokes a sense of romanticism. This hairstyle and the neat cravat are not merely fashion statements; they are symbols of an era embracing individualism and intellectual pursuits. Think of classical sculptures, where the arrangement of hair was a signifier of status and character. This echoes across time, with hairstyles reflecting the zeitgeist, from the Renaissance to the present day, and a deep-seated connection to identity and self-expression. The gaze, too, is a powerful tool, inviting the viewer into the artist’s inner world, or perhaps challenging us to reflect on our own. Such portraits are a mirror, reflecting not just physical likeness, but also the enduring human desire for recognition and understanding.