Reproductie van een prent van geschilderd zelfportret van Gabriël Metsu met zijn vrouw before 1875

This is a reproduction of a print of a painted self-portrait of Gabriël Metsu with his wife. In this composition, we see Metsu holding a paintbrush, his face illuminated and animated. The tonal range from dark to light defines the subjects and setting in his studio. The eye is drawn to the contrast between the dark and light in the center, which leads to a structured visual hierarchy. This structured composition prompts considerations about the interplay between art and life. By integrating himself with his spouse and his painting tools, Metsu elevates the act of painting. He emphasizes its importance not just as a skill but as an integral part of his identity. The setting of the studio allows a glimpse into the artist's daily life. The formal arrangement of the painting underscores how self-representation and the structuring of personal space reflect an individual's role in a broader social and cultural framework. This intersection challenges fixed meanings and explores new perceptions of identity.