Self-Portrait 1660 - 1684

Caspar Netscher created this self-portrait in oil on panel in the Dutch Republic during the second half of the 17th century. It reflects the growing status of artists within Dutch society. Here, Netscher presents himself as a gentleman. The classical sculpture, the architectural fragment, and the drawn design, signal his mastery of the liberal arts. The velvet robe and delicate lace collar denotes his wealth and status. This image reflects the rise of the Dutch art market at this time, which allowed artists to prosper outside of traditional patronage systems. The Rijksmuseum holds archives relating to the Guild of Saint Luke which oversaw artist training and sales. The records show how artists like Netscher negotiated their status within this changing marketplace. By examining archival sources alongside the painting itself, we can better understand the social and economic conditions that enabled the creation and reception of this work.