Self-Portraits and Identity

Drost's self-portraits are exceptional for their religious dimension: rather than simply depicting himself as an artist, he assumes the identity of Saint John the Evangelist, the beloved disciple.

Self Portrait as Saint John the Evangelist

c. 1655, Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Kingston, Ontario

A remarkable self-portrait in which Drost depicts himself as Saint John the Evangelist, merging portraiture with religious identity.

Image coming soon

Self Portrait of the Artist as John the Evangelist

c. 1650, Bader Collection, Milwaukee

An earlier self-portrait with religious connotations, showing the young artist in the guise of John the Evangelist.