Zelfportret met baret 1813 - 1862

Barend Cornelis Koekkoek’s self-portrait in charcoal presents a study in tonal contrasts and textures. The soft shading of the face and the intricate details of the beret invite a sense of intimacy. The subtle gradations achieved with charcoal suggest a concern with form and structure, characteristic of Koekkoek’s meticulous approach to landscape painting. The background’s hatching lines create depth, pushing the figure forward and engaging us in a semiotic dance between foreground and background. Koekkoek’s emphasis on capturing his likeness may reflect a broader philosophical interest in the self, mirroring the Romantic era’s focus on individual expression and identity. Consider how the beret itself becomes a signifier – perhaps of artistic identity – through the soft interplay of light and shadow. This simple form challenges established meanings, inviting the viewer to contemplate the complex relationship between representation, identity, and artistic intent.