Self-Portrait of Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem - Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem

A detailed 1581 engraving depicting the Dutch artist Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem in his studio at the age of twenty-two.

This engraving depicts the Dutch artist Cornelis Cornelisz. van Haarlem at the age of twenty-two. The composition presents the artist in profile, turning his head to engage the viewer directly. He is dressed in the fashion of the late sixteenth century, complete with a ruff collar and a doublet with textured sleeves. In his left hand, he holds a palette and brushes, while his right hand gestures towards a canvas on an easel. The canvas itself displays a study of a nude figure, providing insight into the academic training and artistic focus of the period.

In the background, a smaller figure is shown working at a table, perhaps representing an apprentice or the artist himself in a different stage of his process. Above this, a framed picture on the wall depicts a biblical scene, likely the Baptism of Christ. The inclusion of these elements serves to contextualise the artist within his studio environment. The print is finished with a Latin inscription below the image, identifying the subject as 'Cornel. Cornelii, Harlemensis, Pictor' and offering a poetic commentary on his early dedication to the craft of painting.

The technique employed is characteristic of Northern Mannerist printmaking, utilising precise hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture. The lighting is even, allowing for a clear view of the various objects within the studio. This work provides a rare glimpse into the self-perception of a young artist during the Dutch Golden Age, documenting both his professional tools and his intellectual aspirations. The clarity of the line work and the structured arrangement of the studio space reflect the rigorous standards of the Haarlem Academy, which Cornelis helped to establish.