Zelfportret 1751

This is a self-portrait etching by Martin Tyroff, a craftsman from the 18th century. It reflects a period of emerging self-awareness, when artists began to study themselves with scientific and philosophical curiosity. Notice Tyroff’s soft beret, a symbol of the learned and creative. This headdress is a motif that reappears throughout the centuries in portraits of artists, echoing back to the Renaissance depictions of thinkers and poets. Consider the psychological weight of this choice: by portraying himself in this manner, Tyroff taps into a long tradition, aligning himself with predecessors. This act of mirroring, or visual quotation, connects Tyroff’s personal identity with a collective memory of artistry. It speaks to the powerful, subconscious desire of artists to find their place in the continuum of history. The beret acts as an emblem, worn through generations of cultural figures, each iteration adding to its complex, layered significance.