FABRITIUS, Barent
(b. 1624, Midden-Beemster, d. 1673, Amsterdam)

Self-Portrait as a Shepherd

1654-56
Oil on canvas, 79 x 64 cm
Akademie der bildenden Künste, Vienna

The painter represents himself wearing elegant jabot, fashionable beret together with a shepherd's staff and a wreath of leaves. The latter two illustrate the idea that the shepherds of the ancient world were the true poets and musicians. The painter defines himself as a painting poet.