“Stop for this intimate self-portrait by John Theodore Heins, painted when he was a young man establishing his career. It's a rare chance to meet the artist's own gaze, captured with striking directness.”
This self-portrait captures John Theodore Heins in 1726, at the age of 29. He presents himself with a direct gaze, suggesting confidence and a keen self-awareness. The painting, executed on copper, allows for a smooth, luminous surface that enhances the subtle play of light across his features and clothing. Rather than an elaborate setting, Heins focuses on his own presence, inviting the viewer into a quiet moment of introspection. This work offers a rare glimpse into the artist's own image during a period when he was establishing himself in Norwich, painting portraits for prominent local families and civic dignitaries.
- Artist
- John Theodore Heins
- Date
- 1726
- Location
- Norfolk Museums Collections
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The direct, steady gaze of the artist.
The subtle blush on his cheeks and the hint of a smile.
The texture of his dark coat and white cravat.
The smooth, reflective surface of the copper panel.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Self Portrait — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
John Theodore Heins
1697–1756 · United KingdomJohn Theodore Heins was a prolific portrait painter who dominated Norwich's civic art scene for over a decade in the 18th century.
Further Works by Heins
The Death of Thomas Guy
1737 · Norfolk Museums Collections
Thomas Guy Counting His Money
1737 · Norfolk Museums Collections
Christopher Amiraut
1739 · Norfolk Museums Collections
Thomas Hurnard (1711/1712–1753), Mayor of Norwich (1752)
1754 · Norfolk Museums Collections
Samuel Bradford (1652–1731), Master (1716–1724), Bishop of Rochester (1723–1731)
1729 · Corpus Christi College
Family Group on a Terrace
1730 · Art Institute of Chicago
John Gainsborough (1711–1772)
1731 · Gainsborough's House
Thomas Gainsborough (1709–1739)
1731 · Gainsborough's House
More works to explore
Beyond Heins: works from the same years.
Same era · 1710s–1740s
Venus and Cupid
Adriaen van der Werff · 1716 · Czartoryski Museum
Same era · 1710s–1740s
Sr. Hudibras, His Passing Worth, The Manner How He Sally'd Forth": Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 2
William Hogarth · 1725 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1710s–1740s
Viererleÿ Vorstellungen angenehm-und zierlicher Grundrisse folgender Lustgärten ausser der Residenz-Stadt Wienn..
Salomon Kleiner · 1725 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1710s–1740s
Two Pieces of Embroidery
Philippe de la Salle · 1723 · Cleveland Museum of Art