Portrait of Rembrandt (1606-1669) with a Gorget

The Portrait of Rembrandt (1606-1669) with a Gorget is an oil painting executed on panel, dated 1629. Although the original concept is attributed to Rembrandt van Rijn, this specific work is cataloged as a studio copy. Created during Rijn's early years in Leiden, the piece reflects the young artist's preoccupation with depicting dramatic expressions and contrasting textures, often seen in his experimental self-portraits of the late 1620s. The practice of producing detailed studio copies was common in the Dutch Golden Age, allowing students or associates to replicate popular and complex compositions, often for sale to eager collectors.

The subject, the artist himself, is shown wearing a polished steel gorget, a piece of military neck armor that catches the light and contrasts sharply with the dark background. The detailed treatment of the metal and the dynamic play of light on the armor’s surface demonstrate the technical skill characteristic of Rijn’s circle. This type of intimate, expressive study falls within the category of the tronie—a head or face not intended as a verifiable portrait but rather a character study used to explore costume, expression, and dramatic lighting effects. The composition is tightly cropped, focusing attention on the intense gaze and the controlled illumination typical of Rijn's early career.

This important painting, which helps chart the development of the young master, is housed in the prestigious collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague. While initially created for academic or commercial purposes within the studio, the image remains highly recognizable today. As the work is now considered part of the public domain, high-quality prints and scholarly references to the original composition are widely accessible, ensuring the enduring legacy of Rijn’s self-studies.