If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Course: Europe 1300 - 1800 > Unit 9

Lesson 4: Dutch Republic

Why make a self portrait?

In this four-minute video, hear from artist and MFA graphic designer Eben Haines as he compares 17th-century Dutch and Flemish self-portraits to his own work. Haines draws a direct line from the self-portraiture of Rembrandt, De Heem, and others to his present-day practice. But whereas artists of the past depicted power in their self-portraits, Haines attempts to portray vulnerability. The Center for Netherlandish Art propels the engagement with the MFA’s world-class collection of Netherlandish Art. This video is part of the presentation in the MFA’s Dutch & Flemish galleries. Created by Smarthistory.

Want to join the conversation?

No posts yet.

Video transcript