Self-Portrait as a Lute Player

Self-Portrait as a Lute Player is a 1637 painting by Jan Miense Molenaer. 



The artwork depicts a self-portrait of the artist playing a lute. He is seated on a low stool, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a loose-fitting coat, and breeches. His attire suggests a somewhat informal, possibly domestic setting. 



A table to his right holds various objects, including what appears to be a silver pitcher, a bowl, and some small items that are difficult to identify precisely. The table is covered with a dark teal or blue cloth. The background is dark and indistinct, focusing attention on the artist and his instrument. The overall palette is muted, with browns, grays, and dark blues dominating. The painting's dimensions are 32.4 cm x 38.7 cm, and it is housed in the National Gallery of Art.