Self-portrait 1662

This is an undated self-portrait in oil on panel by the Dutch artist Karel du Jardin. The image speaks to the changing status of the artist in the Netherlands during the 17th century. Du Jardin presents himself as a refined gentleman, his clothing communicating his status. This carefully constructed image suggests the elevated social standing that artists began to enjoy during this period. The Dutch Republic was unique in Europe for its lack of a royal court and powerful aristocratic class, with wealth and power instead concentrated in the hands of merchants and skilled professionals. Du Jardin’s portrait reflects this social reality, with his dress and bearing indicative of his success. The artist is part of a new, rising elite. By studying archival records, such as guild membership lists and estate inventories, we can continue to understand the changing economic and social conditions that made possible the art of the Dutch Golden Age.