A 1681 self-portrait by Dutch artist Johannes Lutma the Younger, rendered as a stone bust within a niche using stipple engraving.

This print by Johannes Lutma the Younger, dated 1681, presents a bust-length self-portrait of the artist. The subject is depicted as a stone sculpture set within a shallow, arched niche. The composition employs the technique of stipple engraving, which allows for a subtle gradation of tone across the surface of the bust, mimicking the texture of carved stone. The artist gazes directly at the viewer, his expression composed and steady. His long, flowing hair and moustache are rendered with precision, contrasting with the smooth, solid appearance of the pedestal upon which the bust rests.

The pedestal bears the Latin inscription, 'NE TE QUAESIVERIS EXTRA', a reference to the Satires of Persius, which translates to 'Do not seek yourself outside yourself'. This philosophical inclusion adds a layer of intellectual depth to the portrait, suggesting a focus on self-reflection and internal character. Below the niche, the text 'IANUS. LUTMA. BATAVUS.' identifies the subject, while the lower right corner notes the method of production, 'Per se Opere Mallei', indicating the use of the punch or hammer technique for the stippling effect.

Johannes Lutma the Younger was a Dutch goldsmith and printmaker, and this work demonstrates his technical proficiency in manipulating metal plates to achieve tonal effects. The use of the niche creates a sense of depth, framing the bust and isolating it from any background distractions. The print is a fine example of seventeenth-century Dutch portraiture, where the boundaries between sculpture and graphic art are blurred through the artist's command of light and shadow. The monochromatic palette emphasises the sculptural quality of the subject, drawing attention to the fine details of the facial features and the texture of the hair.