Vrouwfiguur met palet wijzend naar portret van Arnold Houbraken 1710s

"Vrouwfiguur met palet wijzend naar portret van Arnold Houbraken," a 1710s etching by Arnold Houbraken, depicts a woman in a flowing robe, holding a palette and pointing to a portrait of the artist himself. The composition, which is typical of the Baroque era, features elaborate details and a dramatic use of light and shadow. This self-portrait demonstrates Houbraken's skill as both an artist and an engraver. Houbraken's use of allegory is evident in the female figure who symbolizes artistic inspiration, and the various objects surrounding the portrait, which suggest the artist's creative process. This etching is considered an important example of self-portraiture and artistic symbolism from the Dutch Golden Age.