Portret van Izaak Jansz. de Wit, en profil met pruik 1754 - 1809

Izaak Jansz de Wit created this drawing of himself in the Netherlands, sometime around the late 18th century. It's a self-portrait in graphite, showing the artist in profile, sporting a powdered wig. In that era, the wig was a potent symbol of status and belonging. It speaks volumes about the sitter's position within Dutch society and the broader European culture. Powdered wigs were expensive and high maintenance. I'm interested in the institutional history and what the piece tells us about the structures of art and patronage. Was it a commission, or a personal project? The Rijksmuseum would have records that could show the provenance of the drawing, illuminating its journey from the artist's studio to the museum's collection. Researching the artist's life and times gives a fuller understanding of this modest drawing and the social world it reflects.