Zelfportret voor de ezel 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys painted this self-portrait with oil on canvas, portraying himself before his easel. Observe Neuhuys's palette and brushes, emblems of creation. They echo the tools of ancient artisans and scribes, connecting him to a lineage that stretches back through time. The act of holding these instruments is itself a potent symbol, a gesture of control and creativity. This stance evokes the poses of Renaissance masters immortalizing themselves, hinting at their divine spark, and at the tradition of self-representation, which is a kind of visual self-preservation and assertion of identity. Consider how self-portraits through art history have served as a visual echo, resurfacing throughout centuries, each iteration colored by the artist's unique emotional and cultural landscape. Here, Neuhuys shows himself in subdued tones, imbuing the act of artistic creation with a reflective, introspective mood. His serious gaze suggests a depth of contemplation, inviting the viewer to look beyond the surface and ponder the enduring power of self-expression.