Self-Portrait, 1817

Pieter Van Hanselaere’s reputation was mainly based on his work as a portrait painter, although he also painted history pieces, religious scenes and genre paintings. After his studies at the Ghent academy Van Hanselaere travelled to Paris where he studied with David. The majority of his career unfolded in Italy. Like his fellow townsman Van den Abeele, Van Hanselaere was mainly charmed by the picturesque popular life of Rome and Naples, where he spent his most successful years as a portrait painter and court painter for the Neapolitan king. In 1828 Van Hanselaere returned to Ghent as a celebrated painter. This self-portrait is Van Hanselaere’s earliest known work. He painted it in 1817, shortly after his arrival in Rome. The work has a Romantic feel to it, and depicts a self-conscious young artist who directs his penetrating gaze at the onlooker. The expressive face and white shirt light contrast against the dark background.