Self Portrait 1635

This is Gerrit Dou’s self-portrait, an intimate glimpse into the life of a 17th-century Dutch artist. Dou, one of Rembrandt's most celebrated pupils, presents himself with the tools of his trade: palette, brushes, and a statuette. Consider the artist's place in a society undergoing dramatic transformation. The Dutch Golden Age was a time of unprecedented economic growth and cultural flourishing. The rise of a wealthy merchant class led to a demand for art that celebrated the individual and domestic life, and as an artist Dou had to situate himself within this framework. Dou does not depict himself as a revolutionary. There is a sense of quiet dignity and self-assuredness in his gaze, a subtle dance between the individual and the conventions of portraiture. In looking at this self-portrait, one can see that Dou uses his art to navigate, reflect, and ultimately shape his identity.