Artwork
Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes van Haensbergen. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the artist Johannes van Haensbergen, presenting himself as the sole subject of this 1680 self-portrait. As a self-representation, the painting functions as an iconographic record of the creator, identifying him directly to the viewer. The composition focuses entirely on the figure of the artist, establishing his professional identity through the act of painting his own likeness.
Technique & Style
The dimensions of 11 cm by 11 cm suggest a small, intimate format often used for personal records rather than public display.
The work is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, a common support for Dutch portraiture of the period. The handling and condition of the painting are not detailed in the sources, but its formal qualities align with typical self‑portrait conventions of the late 17th century, emphasizing a straightforward representation of the artist’s facial features and attire. The dimensions of 11 cm by 11 cm suggest a small, intimate format often used for personal records rather than public display.
History & Provenance
The Self-Portrait by Johannes van Haensbergen, dated 1680, is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. According to the available records, the painting is located at the Rijksmuseum and was formerly owned by Pieter Ver Loren van Themaat.
No accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented.
Overview
Johannes van Haensbergen’s Self‑Portrait, executed in oil on canvas in 1690, is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The work presents the artist in a half‑length pose, his face illuminated against a dark backdrop, allowing the viewer to focus on his features and attire.
Context
Van Haensbergen was active during a period when portraiture served both as a personal record and a demonstration of skill. This painting aligns with contemporary practices of self‑representation, where artists often highlighted their status through clothing details and subtle symbols, such as the object held in the hand.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Dutch artist Johannes van Haensbergen painted mythological scenes in the late 1600s, often on copper panels.















