Borch, Moses ter – Zelfportret., 1660-1661 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The portrait presents a young man viewed from the chest up, set against a stark black background that isolates and emphasizes his features. The artist has chosen a close-up composition, focusing intently on the subjects face and upper torso. His gaze is directed slightly upwards and to the left, conveying an impression of introspection or perhaps mild apprehension.
The young man’s complexion appears pale, with subtle indications of redness around the lips and nose. The artist has rendered his hair in loose, flowing waves of a light golden hue, cascading down one side of his face and over his shoulder. A soft, greyish-white cap sits atop his head, its folds meticulously detailed to suggest texture and volume. The collar of what appears to be a shirt or tunic is visible at the neckline, rendered in a lighter tone that contrasts with the darker hues of the hair and skin.
A notable characteristic of this work is the artist’s handling of light and shadow. The illumination originates from an unseen source positioned above and slightly to the left of the subject, casting subtle shadows across his face and highlighting certain features. This creates a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly in the rendering of the hair and fabric, suggesting a degree of spontaneity in the artist’s execution.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a young man, the portrait seems to hint at underlying psychological complexity. The slightly averted gaze and the subtle tension around the mouth suggest an individual grappling with internal thoughts or emotions. The dark background contributes to this sense of introspection, creating a contemplative atmosphere that invites viewers to ponder the subject’s inner state. The relatively simple attire and lack of overt symbols imply a focus on character rather than status or worldly possessions. It is possible that the artist intended to portray not merely a likeness but also an exploration of personality and perhaps even vulnerability.