Zelfportret op 59-jarige leeftijd c. 1626 - 1627

This is a self-portrait by Cornelis Dircksz Boissens, created in an unknown year using engraving techniques. The print is dominated by the artist’s face, framed within an oval that directs the viewer's gaze to his rather stern expression. The structural composition is immediately striking. Boissens has encased his portrait within layers of symbolic ornamentation. Cherubs add movement as they appear to playfully interact with the frame. The inscriptions, framing devices, and detailed texture create a sense of depth, drawing the eye into the meticulously rendered face of the artist. The texture achieved by the engraving adds a tactile quality, making the image seem almost sculpted. The artist uses signs and visual metaphors within formal frameworks to enhance his self-representation. The classical elements combined with the artist's direct gaze and formal attire underscore the intellectual and social standing he wished to convey.