A detailed self-portrait etching by Dutch artist Cornelis van den Berg, dated 1759, featuring the artist in a cap with a descriptive calligraphic inscription.

This etching is a self-portrait by the Dutch artist Cornelis van den Berg, dated 1759. The work displays the artist in a bust-length format, wearing a distinctive cap and a garment fastened with a prominent button. The composition is contained within a rectangular frame, with the background rendered in fine, vertical hatched lines that provide a sense of texture and depth without distracting from the subject. The artist's gaze is directed towards the viewer, capturing a direct and observant expression.

Below the portrait, the artist has included a calligraphic inscription in Dutch, which identifies the sitter, his birthplace, his date of birth, and the fact that he drew and etched the plate himself. This inclusion of biographical data is a common feature in eighteenth-century printmaking, often used to document the artist's identity and professional capability. The line work is precise, showing the technical control required for etching, particularly in the rendering of the facial features and the folds of the clothing. The contrast between the light areas of the face and the darker, hatched background creates a clear focus on the subject's features.

As a piece of historical documentation, this print offers insight into the self-presentation of a Dutch artist during the mid-eighteenth century. The style is restrained, focusing on clarity and accuracy rather than dramatic flair. The print remains a clear example of the portrait etching tradition, where the artist acts as both subject and creator. The preservation of the original plate marks and the clear, legible script at the base of the image provide a sense of the work's original context as a personal or professional record.