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Artist with Black Hat

Artists often paint their self-portraits more directly than those of their sitters. This has to do with their wish to emphasise on the one hand their artistic individuality, being, on the other hand, not committed to a client, whom they have to "flatter". Furthermore they are not only familiar with their outside appearance but also with their interior being.

The painter who portrayed himself in the miniature at hand, obviously set a high value on the intensity of his expression. With his superbly rendered left hand outstretched towards the observer, he seems to look for contact. This gesture is additionally illustrated by his expressive mien, so that the impression of a dialogue is conveyed, a communication between artist and spectator .

The black, wide-brimmed hat enabled the artist to observe his subject while painting, without being unduly interfered by the light shining into his eyes.

B.P.