Allegory of Painting

Frans van Mieris the Elder, Pictura (An Allegory of Painting), Dutch, 1661, Oil on copper, 12.7 x 8.9 cm

I'm always drawn to paintings where the subject is painting itself. 

Source: Source: J. Paul Getty Museum

Swan in Action

Jan Asselyn (?)  The Threatened Swan, c. 1650 Oil on canvas, 144 x 171 cm 

Source: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Nocturne Scene

Oswald Achenbach, Fireworks in Naples, 1875 Oil on canvas, 66 x 102 cm 

The term 'Old Masters' typically refers to painters active prior to 1800*. This painting is from 1875. 

Source: The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

Salomon Adler with Jeweled and Feathered Hat

Salomon Adler, Self-Portrait, c. 1650

Musical Moment

Dirck van Baburen, Man Playing a Jew's Harp, 1621. Oil on canvas, 65 x 53 cm

Source: Centraal Museum, Utrecht

Painters Self-Portrait and Painting within Painting

Pieter Jansz van Asch, Self-Portrait,  Oil on panel, 52 x 44 cm.

Painting within painting.

Source: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Ludolf Backhuysen, Dutch Vessels on the Sea at Amsterdam, c. 1708 Oil on canvas, 66 x 80 cm.

Tempestuous clouds looming over cutting edge sea vessels of the early 18th century.

Source: Musée du Louvre, Paris.