Uppink, Willem – Portret van een schilder, vermoedelijk de kunstenaar zelf, 1788 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The portrait presents a seated man, presumably an artist, engaged in his craft. He is positioned slightly off-center within the composition, facing towards the viewer with a direct gaze that conveys both confidence and perhaps a touch of introspection. The dark background serves to isolate him, emphasizing his presence and drawing attention to his attire and tools.
The subject’s clothing – a double-breasted coat over a ruffled shirt – is characteristic of late 18th-century fashion, suggesting a certain social standing or aspiration. His powdered wig, neatly styled, reinforces this impression. The artist holds a paintbrush in one hand, poised as if about to apply it to the canvas visible on his easel. In his lap rests a well-used palette, laden with dabs of paint, indicating an active and ongoing creative process.
The easel itself is positioned at an angle, partially obscuring a glimpse of what appears to be a landscape scene upon its surface. This detail hints at the artist’s subject matter, while also creating a sense of depth within the composition. The placement of the palette in his lap, rather than on a table or stand, suggests immediacy and personal involvement in the work.
The lighting is carefully controlled; it illuminates the mans face and upper body, highlighting the texture of his clothing and the details of his expression. Shadows fall across his coat and the background, contributing to a sense of depth and drama. The overall effect is one of self-representation – a deliberate construction of an artistic persona that blends professional identity with social aspirations. There’s a subtle undercurrent of vanity present in the direct gaze and meticulous grooming, but its tempered by the evident dedication to his art suggested by the tools he holds and the unfinished canvas behind him.