Self-portrait

This self-portrait captures the artist's own image with remarkable detail and insight, reflecting a tradition that dates back to early art history. Since the mid-15th century, artists increasingly created self-portraits as a means of exploring their identity and establishing their place within the social and artistic landscape. The advent of improved mirrors and panel portraits facilitated this genre's popularity, especially among wealthy Netherlanders like Jan van Eyck. While Realism in art emphasizes accurate depiction, self-portraits often combine this with personal expression, offering viewers a window into the artist's inner world.