Zelfportret van Pieter Louw 1743 - 1760

This self-portrait by Dutch artist Pieter Louw, dating from 1743–1760, depicts the artist in a somber, realistic manner. The portrait, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a small work, measuring only 139 mm by 103 mm. The artist’s serious expression and simple attire, including a dark cap, reflect the restrained style of Dutch portraiture of the period, characterized by a focus on capturing the sitter's personality and social status. Louw’s self-portrait exemplifies the artistic conventions of the time while revealing the artist’s own understated and thoughtful nature.