Portret van een kunstenaar 1763 - 1833

Jordanus Hoorn created this portrait of an artist using graphite and heightened white on gray paper during a time of significant artistic and social change. At this time, the artist often held a unique position in society, balancing creative expression with the demands and expectations of patronage and public opinion. Hoorn's choice to depict a fellow artist invites us to consider questions of identity, representation, and the artist's role in shaping cultural narratives. The artist's gaze meets ours directly, perhaps inviting us to consider the relationship between artist and viewer, creator and audience. Details such as the soft cap and simple attire suggest a focus on the artist's inner world, a departure from more traditional, formal portraiture. This piece reflects a shift towards valuing individual expression and emotion, marking a significant development in how artists perceived themselves and their place in the world.