Self-Portrait ca. 1620 - 1621

Anthony van Dyck painted this self-portrait in oil on canvas sometime around 1640. Van Dyck rose to prominence during a period of intense social stratification and political maneuvering, becoming one of the most celebrated and influential portraitists of the 17th century. This portrait offers a glimpse into Van Dyck's self-fashioning as an artist and a gentleman. His elegant pose and the fine details of his clothing signal his elevated status. The soft, almost feminine features, challenge traditional notions of masculinity prevalent in his time, and instead project an image of sensitivity and refinement. Van Dyck was deeply aware of how appearances shaped perceptions, and he used his portraits to construct his identity. As you gaze upon this self-portrait, consider the choices Van Dyck made in shaping his public persona. What does this image tell us about his aspirations, his self-perception, and the society in which he lived and worked?