Portrait of Rembrandt

The Portrait of Rembrandt, created around 1650, is an oil on canvas attributed to the celebrated Dutch 17th Century master, Rembrandt van Rijn. As a classic example of Dutch painting, this work falls precisely within the period 1601 to 1650, capturing the cultural intensity and technical brilliance characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. Rijn’s choice of medium, utilizing the flexibility and richness of oil paint, allowed him to employ heavy impasto and visible brushwork that gives the surface texture and vitality, particularly in the rendering of facial features and costume.

This self-representation provides crucial insight into the artist’s mature career. Unlike his earlier, more flamboyant self-portraits, the 1650 iteration displays a profound psychological depth. Rijn utilized his own face throughout his life as a ready subject for the study of human character and the effects of time and experience. The composition employs masterful chiaroscuro, dramatically lighting the face while leaving the background in deep shadow, drawing the viewer's immediate attention to the expressive quality of the eyes and the furrowed brow. This technique heightens the introspection and solemnity of the subject.

The painting is a foundational piece for understanding the history of European portraiture, demonstrating how the Dutch school prioritized realism and psychological penetration over idealized forms. The work resides within the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. Because of its standing as an iconic masterwork by Rijn, the image is often referenced in art historical texts. Today, high-quality prints and reproductions of this significant example of seventeenth-century artistry are widely available within the public domain.