Zelfportret

About this artwork

height 155 mm x width 116 mm

Art Historical Context

Cornelis de Cocq's *Zelfportret* (Self-Portrait), created in 1840, visitors into an intimate encounter with the artist himself. Measuring just 155 mm high by 116 mm wide—roughly the size of a modern postcard—this diminutive work was executed with brush, suggesting a delicate painting technique suited to its modest scale. Such small self-portraits were common in the 19 century, often serving as personal studies, gifts, or keepsakes, allowing artists to explore their own likeness in private reflection. In the context of Dutch art, self-portraits held a storied tradition, from Rembrandt's probing gazes to later introspective works. De Cocq's piece, from the Romantic era's tail end, captures a moment when artists increasingly turned inward amid Europe's social upheavals. The compact dimensions highlight masterful brush control, where every stroke counts, emphasizing psychological depth over grandeur. Though little is documented about de Cocq, this surviving gem offers a window into an artist's self-perception in mid-19th-century Netherlands, blending technical precision with quiet personal revelation.