Zelfportret van Willem Rikkers 1822 - 1873

Willem Rikkers made this self-portrait drawing, whose date is currently unknown, using graphite. As an artist in the 19th century Netherlands, Rikkers would have been navigating a world that was rapidly changing due to industrialization and shifting social structures. This self-portrait offers a glimpse into the artist’s perception of himself within this context. His confident gaze and distinctive attire, including a decorative cap, signal an assertion of identity. The intimacy of the portrait suggests a desire for self-exploration, which was a common theme in art of the time. Rikkers presents himself not just as a craftsman but as an individual with depth. The portrait serves as a personal statement, inviting us to consider the artist's place in a transforming society, while capturing the emotional complexity inherent in self-representation.