Zelfportret, 'Revenu a l'état normal' c. 1852

This 1852 self-portrait by Dutch artist Eduard Isaac Asser, titled "Zelfportret, 'Revenu a l'état normal'," shows Asser in a formal setting, seated and looking directly at the viewer. The photograph, a daguerreotype, is encased in a circular frame, highlighting the subject within a neutral backdrop. Asser's expression conveys a sense of composure and seriousness. His choice to title the work with a French phrase referencing a "normal state" suggests a reflection on his personal condition or a return to normalcy after a period of change. The self-portrait showcases Asser's artistry and personal identity, and is a valuable historical artifact of the early days of photography.