Self-Portrait as a Lutenist
by STEEN, Jan, Oil on panel, 55 x 44 cm
On the basis of Steen’s only traditional self-portrait in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, he has been identified in various guises as the principal subject or as one of the mirthful, debauched or licentious participants in dozens of of his paintings of various themes. For example, he presents himself dressed in the archaic costume worn by actors who played the part of lovers in his Self-Portrait as a Lutenist.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes):
Francesco da Milano: Tre fantasie for lute