Zelfportret van Johannes Cornelis Mertens met zijn tweede echtgenote Helena Janszen 1807

Johannes Cornelis Mertens, a Dutch painter born in 1742, created a self-portrait with his second wife Helena Janszen in 1807. This intimate black and white engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the couple in a relaxed setting. Mertens is seated holding a drawing tool while Helena stands beside him, her hand resting on a nearby stone monument. The background features a serene landscape with trees, evoking a sense of tranquility. The portrait, a testament to Mertens' talent, offers viewers a glimpse into the artist's personal life and artistic practice.