Self-portrait with Saskia and the artist's mother seated at a table, looking right: three quarter length 1805 - 1844

Here at the Rijksmuseum is Ignace-Joseph de Claussin's rendering of 'Self-portrait with Saskia and the artist's mother seated at a table, looking right: three quarter length'. This monochromatic etching measures a mere 115 by 100 millimetres and is a masterclass in the art of suggestion. Claussin deftly uses line and shadow to evoke form and texture, creating a compelling tableau. The composition, tight and intimate, draws our eye to the interplay between the three figures. There is the artist himself, Saskia his wife, and his mother, each rendered with a striking immediacy. What strikes one most is the dynamic tension achieved through the formal arrangement of figures and the contrast of light and shadow. There's a tension between the intimate domestic scene and a broader social commentary. The medium is no accident, the sharp, etched lines lending themselves to a semiotic study of family dynamics and the artist's role within. Ultimately, this small etching serves as a window into a complex interplay of personal identity and societal roles. It’s a testament to how formal elements can articulate profound cultural narratives.