Self Portrait. Standing beside the Artist is his Father and Teacher Jan Maurits Quinkhard (1688-1772) 1757

Julius Henricus Quinkhard made this self-portrait with oil on canvas, standing beside his father and teacher Jan Maurits Quinkhard. It speaks of the complexities of lineage, legacy, and artistic identity in 18th-century Europe. We're invited into the intimate space of artistic instruction. The gaze of the father seems to encourage but also judge, and we can't help but wonder how young Julius navigates the weight of expectation. In portraying himself alongside his father, Julius grapples with the dynamics of influence and independence. The open book and letter suggest intellectual and creative pursuits, yet also hint at the pressures of living up to a family name. The contrast between the soft, youthful features of Julius and the more mature, weathered face of Jan Maurits underscores the passage of time and the shifting of artistic authority. The painting captures a tender yet complex moment of artistic formation, reminding us that identity is often shaped by those who came before us.