Zelfportret voor de ezel 1819

This self-portrait etched by an unknown hand captures the artist at work, his gaze fixed upon the canvas before him. The easel, a symbol of artistic creation, stands prominently, yet the term ‘ezel’ also means donkey in Dutch, adding a layer of complexity. Consider the motif of the artist at work. It echoes through time, from ancient depictions of craftsmen to Renaissance portrayals of masters in their studios. Here, the artist, with his simple attire and focused expression, is stripped of heroic grandeur. Instead, there's a sense of self-effacement. The act of artistic creation has long carried a psychological weight, linked to the subconscious desire to imprint meaning onto the world. It may also reflect our own feelings of inadequacy. Like an ‘ezel’, the artist labours with humility and a deep need for recognition. This duality, a constant negotiation between aspiration and reality, is mirrored in art across centuries and continents. This simple image speaks volumes about the timeless struggle of the artist.