Zelfportret van Moyses van Wtenbrouck Possibly 1600 - 1719

Moyses van Wtenbrouck created this self-portrait etching, measuring 121 by 98 millimeters, using line and form to create a sense of depth and texture. Notice how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to define the contours of his face and clothing, achieving a remarkable tonal range within the monochrome medium. Van Wtenbrouck presents himself with a blend of confidence and introspection, his gaze direct yet contemplative. The inclusion of architectural elements in the background – a classical column and an obelisk – serve to enhance the portrait's symbolic weight. These structures, rendered with meticulous detail, imply a connection to enduring artistic traditions. Consider the formal interplay between the artist's figure and the backdrop: the solid, vertical forms provide a structured counterpoint to the softness of his features and the intricate lace collar. This contrast destabilizes a straightforward reading, inviting us to consider the layers of identity and representation at play.