Self-portrait

Hollar created a number of self-portraits during his career, of which only two were done for purposes of self-representation. Although probably less known today, this portrait is remarkable both for its inscription by Hollar that states the artist's age of forty years - "Aetatis 40, 1647" - and for the family coat of arms featured on the bottom of the frame. Hollar was born into a family of lower-ranking Bohemian nobility and was very proud of his origin throughout his life. Also worthy of note is the charming decorative frame, into which the oval portrait is set.