Zelfportret 1841

Adolphe Alexandre Dillens made this self-portrait with graphite on paper in Belgium sometime in the 19th century. Dillen's self-portrait is a window into the romanticism and artistic identity of the 19th century. The artist presents himself with a certain flair, donning a hat and scarf that evoke a sense of bohemian style. This carefully constructed image reflects the period's fascination with the individual and the artist as a unique, creative genius. Dillens was the director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent and the drawing can be seen as a reflection on the changing status of the artist in society and the institutions that shape artistic production. Is Dillen's attire a symbol of independence and a challenge to the conventional norms of the time? The art historian plays a crucial role in decoding these visual cues, drawing upon period sources and institutional records to understand the painting's place within its social and cultural context.