“The Procuress, detail (supposed self-portrait)” is a work by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, created in 1656 during the Baroque period. The artwork is believed to be a genre scene which includes a detail that is often interpreted as a self-portrait of Vermeer himself.
In this particular detail of “The Procuress,” we see a portion of the painting that is often believed to show Vermeer in the context of the scene. The image depicts a man’s face smiling and looking out towards the viewer. The figure appears to be in a dimly lit setting, with the visibility of his features limited by the overall darkness of the environment. His glance is engaging, drawing the viewer’s attention and suggesting a knowing look or a moment of connection. The man’s attire is not clearly visible due to the cropped nature of the image, but there is a hint of a white collar or garment that stands out against the darker background. The colors in this section seem muted and warm, typical of the rich palette often found in Baroque paintings.
The technique of including the artist within a crowd or as a bystander in one’s own painting was not uncommon at the time, serving as a sort of signature or mark of presence within the work. However, definitive identification of Vermeer within the painting remains speculative.
