Fotoreproductie van een zelfportret van Rubens c. 1870 - 1890

This photographic reproduction captures Peter Paul Rubens in a self-portrait, presenting the artist in a manner that transcends mere representation. The hat, an emblem of his status, subtly nods to the fashion of the time, yet its rakish angle speaks of a self-assuredness that surpasses mere conformity. This very hat, or its many iterations, can be traced back through portraits of artists and intellectuals, each wearing it as a badge of their creative spirit. Consider the emotional weight of his gaze: intense and probing, it invites us into a dialogue across centuries. This is not merely a likeness, but an assertion of self, reminiscent of the Renaissance masters who first imbued portraiture with such psychological depth. It is the eternal return of the artist, capturing not just an image, but a complex emotional and intellectual state.