Zelfportret van Titiaan Possibly 1661 - 1663

This engraving, made in Vienna in 1661 by Jan Thomas, is called a self-portrait of Titian. Yet, look closer – the subject is draped in fur and wears a heavy cap, symbols of status and scholarly pursuit. These elements speak to the archetype of the wise, venerable artist. Consider the motif of the fur-lined collar. We see its echoes in Rembrandt’s self-portraits, a similar embrace of luxury and wisdom, yet the fur itself is much older, appearing in ancient royal garments as an emblem of power. This symbol resurfaces throughout history, each time imbued with new layers of meaning while retaining a primal connection to authority. Here, the artist consciously invokes the gravitas of Titian. The image engages our collective memory, tapping into the emotions we associate with artistic genius. It is a powerful dance of past and present, a vivid example of how images transcend time, echoing and evolving through the ages.