Zelfportret van Gijsbertus Craeyvanger 1876

This is a self-portrait made in 1876 by Gijsbertus Craeyvanger, a Dutch artist, using graphite. Craeyvanger, who lived through much of the 19th century, produced this drawing at a time when the role of the artist was undergoing significant change. Looking at this self-portrait, we see an artist presenting himself with a certain level of formality, perhaps signalling his status and education. This was a period when art academies were becoming increasingly influential, shaping artistic styles and legitimizing artists through institutional training. We can also think about the art market at the time. Was Craeyvanger trying to appeal to specific patrons or fit into certain artistic circles? Archival research into exhibition records and collectors' correspondence might reveal the social networks that shaped his career. Understanding Craeyvanger's work means situating it within the institutions and social structures of 19th-century Dutch art.