Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the German Romanticist artist Christoffel Frederik Franck. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the artist Christoffel Frederik Franck himself, constituting a self-portrait in the traditional genre of artistic self-representation.
The painting depicts the artist Christoffel Frederik Franck himself, constituting a self-portrait in the traditional genre of artistic self-representation. As both creator and subject, Franck presents himself through the medium of oil paint on panel, a conventional choice for portraiture of this era. The work's primary subject is the artist, with no additional figures or complex narrative elements indicated in the available documentation.
The self-portrait format inherently carries symbolic weight, speaking to artistic identity, self-examination, and the painter's professional status. By depicting himself, Franck participates in the long-established tradition of artists asserting their social and intellectual standing through self-portraiture.
Technique & Style
Christoffel Frederik Franck executed the Self-Portrait in 1800 using oil paint applied to a panel support. The work measures 51 cm in height and 41.5 cm in width. As a portrait genre piece, the painting depicts the artist himself and is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
History & Provenance
Christoffel Frederik Franck painted Self-Portrait in 1800 as an oil on panel work, depicting himself. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on view. Its creation was recorded with an inception date of 1800-00-00, and technical measurements of 51 cm in height and 41.5 cm in width confirm its scale.
The Self-Portrait by Christoffel Frederik Franck is held at the Rijksmuseum, where it is catalogued under inventory number SK-A-2135. It was created in 1800 as an oil painting on panel measuring 51 cm in height and 41.5 cm in width. The work has been part of the museum's collection since its acquisition and was featured in the exhibition "Dutch Self-Portraits from the Rijksmuseum," which ran from March 15 to June 20, 2015.
Context
Christoffel Frederik Franck's Self-Portrait painted in 1800 depicts the artist himself against a dark background, showcasing his skill in oil on panel. The work is housed in the Rijksmuseum collection and has been studied as an early example of Dutch portraiture emphasizing individual identity. Scholars note its restrained composition and psychological depth as reflective of neoclassical trends in the Netherlands while foreshadowing Romantic introspection.
Its precise authorship and dating make it a key reference for understanding 19th-century portraiture within the artist's broader oeuvre.
Overview
Christoffel Frederik Franck’s self‑portrait, executed in oil around 1800, presents the artist standing before a wooden doorway. He holds a palette and brushes, while a dimly lit interior reveals a niche containing a draped statue and a small bust. The composition is anchored by strong side lighting that emphasizes the sitter’s facial features against a shadowed backdrop.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Christoffel Frederik Franck (1758–1816) was an artist, born in Zwolle.
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