Werff, Adriaen van der – Zelfportret met het portret van zijn vrouw Margaretha van Rees en hun dochtertje Maria, 1699 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a man positioned centrally against a dark, undefined background. He holds a framed portrait in his left hand, while his right hand rests on a painters palette laden with brushes. The frame of the held painting is visible and ornate, drawing immediate attention to its contents.
Within that smaller portrait, a woman and a young child are depicted. The woman wears a blue garment, her gaze directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of gentle composure. The child, nestled close to her, appears innocent and serene. Their presence within the larger self-portrait suggests familial importance and perhaps an assertion of domestic virtue.
The man himself is clad in a rich red drape that cascades over his shoulders, adding a layer of opulence and status. A heavy gold chain adorns his neck, further emphasizing his position within society. His expression is somewhat enigmatic; it’s not overtly joyful or sorrowful, but rather contemplative, as if hes engaged in an internal assessment. The lighting highlights the planes of his face, creating a sense of depth and volume.
The inclusion of the palette and brushes serves as a direct reference to the artists profession. It is not merely a prop; it’s a declaration of skill and identity. By presenting himself alongside his family and tools of trade, he constructs an image that speaks to both personal relationships and professional accomplishment. The act of holding the portrait within the portrait creates a visual layering effect, suggesting a reflection on representation itself – the artist portraying not only his likeness but also his familial bonds through the medium of painting.
The dark background contributes to a sense of intimacy and focus, drawing the viewer’s attention solely to the figures and objects presented. The overall impression is one of considered self-presentation, aiming to convey an image of a man who values family, profession, and social standing.