Self-portrait 

Childe Hassam painted this self-portrait, capturing himself in a moment of artistic contemplation. The artist holds his tools – a brush and palette – symbols of his creative power. Consider the window behind Hassam, reminiscent of a Renaissance painting. The window motif, like Alberti's notion that a painting is a window onto the world, suggests insight and a new perspective. This concept is reflected in art through the ages and implies that Hassam, through his art, offers us a view into his world, emotions, and the very essence of creativity. It mirrors the works of the old masters, yet his loose brushwork aligns with modern Impressionism. There's a psychological depth in the artist's gaze and the use of symbols in this self-portrait. It taps into our collective memory of artistic self-representation, resonating with our understanding of the artist's role as both observer and creator. This image echoes through time, illustrating the ever-evolving, cyclical nature of artistic expression, each variation carrying its historical imprint.