Zelfportret 1840 - 1899

This self-portrait was created by Johann Leonhard Raab, likely sometime in the mid-to-late 19th century. Raab was a German printmaker known for his engravings and reproductions of other artists' works. In this image, Raab presents himself as a refined, intellectual figure, complete with a neatly trimmed beard, suit, and bow tie. He holds a painter's palette, signaling his identity as an artist and craftsman. During the 19th century, artists were increasingly interested in exploring their own identities and emotions in their work. Self-portraits were a way for artists to assert their individuality and creativity. What is perhaps most intriguing about this work is its delicate nature, a quality often unacknowledged in artwork created by men of this era. The soft lines and intricate details of the engraving almost invite the viewer to contemplate the inner world of the artist. Raab offers us not just a likeness, but a glimpse into the soul of a 19th-century artist.