Self-portrait in a fur cap: bust after 1630

This etching, "Self-portrait in a fur cap: bust," was made by an anonymous artist and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The etching captures the artist's face, framed by a large fur cap and coat. The choice of fur is interesting. We can think about the historical context of this artwork, and how fur as a material may have signified class, status, and the cultural values of the time. The presence of the fur may be symbolic of wealth and power, which can tell us something about the artist’s identity and perhaps his or her aspirations. Moreover, the self-portrait invites us to think about identity and representation. Does this image reflect the artist’s self-perception or how he or she wanted to be seen? What does it tell us about the role and position of the artist in society? This self-portrait invites viewers to reflect on identity, representation, and the relationship between the artist and the viewer.