A detailed 1764 etching by Dutch artist Cornelis van den Berg, depicting the artist at work with pen and paper.

This etching, dated 1764, depicts the Dutch artist Cornelis van den Berg in a self-portrait. The composition focuses on the artist at work, holding a pen in one hand and a small drawing in the other. He wears a patterned jacket and a wide-brimmed hat, typical of the period. The artist's gaze is directed towards the viewer, creating a direct engagement that characterises many self-portraits of the eighteenth century.

The technique employs fine, hatched lines to define the contours of the face and the texture of the clothing. The cross-hatching provides depth and shadow, particularly in the folds of the jacket and the brim of the hat. The background remains largely unworked, which draws attention to the figure. Below the image, an inscription identifies the artist, his birth date in Haarlem, and the year the print was produced. This inclusion of biographical detail is a common feature in historical portrait prints, providing context for the subject's identity and professional practice.

Van den Berg's approach to the medium demonstrates a clear understanding of line work and tonal variation. The clarity of the etching allows for a precise rendering of his features, from the subtle expression on his face to the grip on his drawing tool. This work offers a glimpse into the life of an artist during the mid-eighteenth century, capturing both his likeness and his craft. The print is a fine example of the portraiture traditions prevalent in the Netherlands at the time, where artists often documented their own image through the medium of printmaking.