Zelfportret van de kunstenaar 1869

Victor Collodion's self-portrait, made without a specified date, presents us with a potent symbol: the oversized pen. It is more than a mere tool; it signifies power, creativity, and perhaps the burden of artistic expression. Consider how the pen, as a symbol, stretches back through history. From the quills of medieval scribes illuminating sacred texts to the pens wielded by revolutionary pamphleteers, it has been a conduit for ideas. This tradition echoes in Collodion’s portrayal, but here, the exaggeration adds a layer of introspection and perhaps self-mockery. The pen held like a weapon suggests a struggle, and one cannot help but delve into the subconscious currents driving this depiction. Perhaps the artist wrestles with his own identity. This image lingers in the collective memory, echoing the trials of artists across time. The pen is not just an instrument but a mirror reflecting the artist's soul, caught in the endless cycle of creation and self-doubt.