Self-portrait conception in the European engraving of the XVII century

Abstract

Self-portrait in the art of the XVII century acquires an original and complex interpretation in the painting and graphics of European masters: increased emotionality, bodily transformations and theatricality turn the genre into one of the most interesting to study. Masters often include their own images in religious, historical and genre scenes, actively attract the language of allegories, the type of «painting in a picture», costumed images and group portraits develops. In graphics, along with lively dynamic sketches, there is a characteristic tradition of a representative interpretation of the artist’s image in an engraving. The theme of creativity is reflected in numerous «workshops», representing the artist surrounded by his own works, attributes of the craft, students and spectators.