Who painted Self-portrait?

Self-portrait was painted by Herman Wolters in 1717-01-01.

Where can I see Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Self-portrait?

Self-portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Self-portrait?

Museum-quality prints of Self-portrait are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Self-portrait

Herman Wolters , 1717

Self-portrait is an ivory painting by the Rococo painting artist Herman Wolters. It dates from 1717 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is executed on a thin ivory panel measuring 8.5 cm by 6 cm, with the artist himself depicted as the sole subject. Herman Wolters painted this self-portrait in 1717, employing the medium of ivory as support for the painted surface. The painting belongs to the portrait genre and exemplifies early 18th‑century portraiture through its direct representation and modest scale.

History & Provenance

Herman Wolters created this self-portrait in 1717. Executed on ivory, the small-scale painting measures 8.5 cm in height and 6 cm in width. The work depicts the artist himself and is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located.

Overview

Herman Wolters’ self‑portrait, executed in 1717, is an oval miniature painted on ivory. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and presents the artist in a formal pose, his dark eyes meeting the viewer’s gaze. The composition is dominated by a dark background that isolates the figure, emphasizing the delicate rendering of his face and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows Wolters himself, dressed in a brown jacket over a white shirt, his hair neatly arranged. The direct eye contact and the restrained expression suggest a self‑presentation that balances personal identity with the conventions of early‑18th‑century portraiture, conveying both confidence and modesty.

Context

Miniature portraiture on ivory was a popular medium for intimate, portable images in the Netherlands during the early 1700s. Wolters’ choice of an oval format aligns with contemporary tastes for refined, personal depictions, and the work exemplifies the technical skill required to render fine detail on a small, delicate surface.