Self-Portrait with a Spider in the Window 1758

Georg Friedrich Schmidt created this self-portrait in 1758 using etching and drypoint. The eye is drawn to the artist’s face, framed by a soft hat, gazing intently as he works. Note the formal arrangement of objects and the use of light and shadow, which create a sense of depth and texture. Schmidt meticulously details his environment, including a spiderweb in the window, a violin, and a bottle. The inclusion of the spider web, an often overlooked detail, invites us to contemplate the nature of creation and existence. Just as Schmidt captures his likeness on the plate, the spider constructs its intricate web, each a testament to the maker's craft. The self-portrait becomes a study in contrasts: the artist’s active engagement with his craft versus the passive, yet equally purposeful, existence of the spider. These carefully constructed contrasts invite viewers to reflect on the role of the artist as observer, creator, and interpreter.