Artwork
Self-portrait
Self-portrait is an ivory painting by Balthasar Denner. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
This technique underscores the formal qualities of the genre, blending realistic representation with the ornamental precision typical of miniature painting.
The work is executed on a thin rectangular support of ivory, measuring 8.0 cm in height and 5.8 cm in width, and is classified as a portrait miniature. It depicts the artist Balthasar Denner in a direct, frontal pose that emphasizes facial detail and subtle tonal modeling characteristic of early 18th‑century portrait miniatures. The painting was created in 1738 and entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.
The rendering relies on fine brushwork applied to the smooth ivory surface, producing a delicate interplay of light and shadow that highlights the sitter’s features. This technique underscores the formal qualities of the genre, blending realistic representation with the ornamental precision typical of miniature painting.
History & Provenance
Self-portrait is a miniature painted by Balthasar Denner in 1738 on ivory, created as a personal likeness rather than a commissioned piece. The work entered the Rijksmuseum collection at an unspecified date and remains part of its holdings. Its inception is recorded as 1738-01-01, reflecting the likely creation period documented in archival records.
The painting measures 8.0 cm in height and 5.8 cm in width, depicting the artist himself in a format typical of early 18th-century portrait miniatures.
Overview
In 1738 the German portraitist Balthasar Denner produced a self‑portrait rendered on ivory. The work presents the artist in a half‑length format, his face illuminated against a dark backdrop, and is catalogued among the Rijksmuseum’s portrait holdings.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is Denner himself, attired in a red coat over a white shirt, his hair arranged in loose curls. The subdued expression and quiet pose suggest a moment of introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate the artist’s own presence and identity.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Denner (15 November 1685 – 14 April 1749) was a German painter, highly regarded as a portraitist.
- Portrait of a Man, perhaps a Member of the Klinkhamer Family
Portrait of Isaac Verburg, Rector of the Latin School in Amsterdam
Portrait of Frederik Hansen de Liliendal, Danish Consul at Bordeaux
Portrait of Bernardus de Bosch I, Poet in Panpoeticon Batavum
Portrait of Frederik Hansen de Liliendal, Danish Consul at Bordeaux
Portrait of a Man, perhaps a Self Portrait
Portrait of Andries Pels (1631-81)
Portrait of Tobias Gutberleth, Man of Letters in Leeuwarden
Portrait of Frans van Steenwijk, Poet and Playwright in Amsterdam
Portrait of Govert Bidloo
Portrait of Walter Senserff, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1731
Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam