Zelfportret van Cornelis van Noorde 1763

Cornelis van Noorde created this self-portrait etching. The artwork captivates with its intricate lines and the play of light and shadow, rendered entirely in monochrome. Van Noorde's composition is intriguing. He presents himself holding a print, perhaps a nod to his profession or artistic interest. The lines create depth and texture. We can see the hatching on his hat and the delicate curls of his wig. The interplay of these elements adds a sense of dynamism to the otherwise still portrait. Looking closer, there is a tension between the objective representation of the artist and the subjective interpretation offered by the viewer. Through the careful use of line and form, van Noorde encourages us to reflect on the nature of identity, representation, and the artistic process itself. By emphasizing this formal language, the artist shows us how meaning is made not just through what is depicted, but how it is depicted.