As a former actor and scene painter, Troost understood illusion. In this self-portrait he gazes from a mirror at himself and at us.

The curtain, pedestal, palette and drawing on blue paper create a sense of depth. Every detail testifies to his technical skill.

Notice how he conveyed the fine batiste cloth of his fashionable jabot – the frill of ruffles attached to his shirt – with a single stroke of white paint.