Zelfportret van Gerard Dou 1743

This is Johannes de Groot's portrait of Gerard Dou, created sometime between 1689 and 1796. The print captures Dou with a soft, diffused light that gently models his features and drapery. The composition is structured around the contrast between the textured, almost baroque fullness of Dou's hair and the smoother planes of his face and clothing. Consider how de Groot uses line and shading to create depth. The etching technique allows for fine detail, seen in the delicate rendering of Dou’s hand and the folds of his robe. Beside Dou is a painter's palette, an attribute that declares his profession. De Groot's choice of a monochromatic palette focuses our attention on the tonal variations and the play of light. This allows for an emphasis on form and texture over color. The portrait situates Dou within a lineage of artists reflecting on their own image and profession, prompting a broader reflection on the nature of artistic identity and representation.