Borch, Moses ter – Zelfportret, zgn portret van Jan Fabus., 1660-1661 Rijksmuseum: part 3

Here we observe a bust portrait set against a dark, almost featureless background. The subject is depicted from approximately the chest upwards, with the head turned slightly towards the viewers left. A vibrant red cloth is wrapped around the head, partially obscuring the hair and creating a strong contrast with the complexion of the face.
The individual’s expression is complex; theres an ambiguity between amusement and perhaps a touch of melancholy or introspection. The eyes are closed, suggesting a moment of inward reflection or possibly even a fleeting emotion captured in time. A subtle smile plays on the lips, adding to this sense of layered feeling. The skin tones are rendered with considerable skill, utilizing warm yellows, reds, and browns to convey texture and volume. Theres a visible looseness in the brushwork, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the hair, which appears almost wild and uncontained.
The collar, seemingly made of a simple material, is indicated by a few quick strokes, drawing attention back to the face. The lighting is focused on the subject’s features, highlighting the contours of the nose and cheekbones while leaving much of the background in shadow. This concentrated illumination contributes to an intimate feel, as if the viewer has stumbled upon a private moment.
The paintings subtexts are open to interpretation. The closed eyes could signify vulnerability or a withdrawal from the external world. The red cloth might symbolize passion, intensity, or even a degree of theatricality. The overall impression is one of an individual caught in a fleeting state of mind – a portrait not merely of appearance but also of character and inner life. Theres a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work, suggesting it may be a study or a preliminary sketch rather than a fully finished piece.