Self-Portrait Etching at a Window

Self-Portrait Etching at a Window, created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1648, is recognized as a pinnacle of his graphic output during the Dutch Golden Age. This remarkable print is executed using a combination of etching, drypoint, and burin. The masterful employment of multiple media allowed Rembrandt to achieve unparalleled richness in tone and deep, velvety shadows, particularly visible in the folds of his clothing and the background recession. This specific impression is identified as the fourth of nine states, demonstrating the artist’s characteristic practice of reworking his copper plates extensively over time to explore different expressive possibilities in his prints.

In this self-portrait, Rembrandt depicts himself as a thoughtful, aging man engrossed in his craft. He is shown wearing a slightly rumpled coat and a soft cap, framed dramatically by the window light, which highlights the subtle textures achieved through the drypoint technique. This deep concentration on the self was central to the artist’s lifelong exploration of individual character and psychology. Unlike his earlier, more flamboyant self-portraits, the 1648 work offers a sober, direct view of the master printmaker during a highly productive period. This historically significant representation of men in the art of the 17th century resides in the distinguished collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and high-quality images of this public domain artwork are widely referenced and studied today.