JORDAENS, Jacob
(b. 1593, Antwerpen, d. 1678, Antwerpen)

Self-Portrait among Parents, Brothers and Sisters (detail)

c. 1615
Oil on canvas
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

The bread on the table and the wine in the head of family's glass represent the faith that unites its members. The lute in the artist's hands represents family harmony. The putti hovering above probably stand for three more sisters who died in infancy.