Artwork
Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Cornelis Pronk. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Symbolic elements such as the modest attire and the inclusion of his signature monogram underscore themes of artistic identity and self‑affirmation.
The work presents the artist himself as its sole figure, rendered in a pose that conveys direct engagement with the viewer. Symbolic elements such as the modest attire and the inclusion of his signature monogram underscore themes of artistic identity and self‑affirmation. By portraying himself without additional narrative accessories, Pronk emphasizes personal presence and the professional stature he sought to assert within the Dutch portrait tradition.
The painting thus functions both as a record of appearance and as an expression of self‑representation, reflecting the sitter’s awareness of his role as a visual artist in 18th‑century Amsterdam.
Technique & Style
The work is executed on copper support using oil paint, as recorded in the Rijksmuseum catalogue. The painting measures 8.7 cm by 6.8 cm and depicts the artist himself in a straightforward pose, reflecting a restrained formal style typical of early 18th‑century Dutch portraiture.
The surface shows fine brushwork that emphasizes the sitter’s facial features and the texture of the copper ground, contributing to a crisp, almost graphic quality. No significant damage or restoration is noted in the available documentation.
History & Provenance
Cornelis Pronk executed this self-portrait in 1720. The artist utilized oil paint applied to a copper support to create the small-scale work, which measures 8.7 cm in height and 6.8 cm in width. The painting depicts the artist himself and is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
The Self-Portrait by Cornelis Pronk is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Painted in 1720 in oil on copper, the small work measures 8.7 cm in height by 6.8 cm in width. No specific inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented for this painting.
Overview
Cornelis Pronk’s self‑portrait, executed in 1720, is a modestly sized oval work painted on copper. The composition presents the artist in a straightforward pose, his hair pulled back, a dark hat and a light cravat accented with blue ribbons. The figure is set against an indistinct, darkened background, and the surface shows signs of wear, especially along the perimeter.
Context
Pronk is better known for his topographical drawings and porcelain designs, making this intimate self‑portrait a rare example of his work in painted form. The choice of copper as a support aligns with contemporary practices for detailed, small‑scale portraits, allowing fine line work and a luminous surface that complements his precise draughtsmanship.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Pronk (10 December 1691 – 28 or 29 September 1759), also known as Cornelis Pronck, was a Dutch draughtsman, painter and porcelain designer.
- Self-Portrait
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