Zelfportret van Gerard ter Borch before 1903

Jan Mesker made this Self-Portrait of Gerard ter Borch, but when, I don’t know! There is a graphic quality here, the mark making is about an even distribution of tone, rather than dramatic contrast. And it’s all about the darks; a dense and inky atmosphere. Look at those shoes! The highlights bring them forward in the composition, they’re like rosettes, little black flowers. I’m so drawn to the velvety textures, that cape looks so heavy, you can almost feel its weight. The contrast between the darks of the cape and the light of the ruffled collar, like a delicate halo, is really captivating. I’m reminded of Paula Rego and her interest in costume and character. It’s like Mesker is playing dress-up here, adopting a persona. I think art thrives on this kind of imaginative borrowing, and how it can invite us to see the world through different eyes.