Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open-Mouthed

The Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open-Mouthed by Rembrandt van Rijn, dated 1630, is a characteristic example of the artist’s early explorations in graphic media during his final years in Leiden. Classified as a Print, this work was created using the challenging intaglio method of etching, a technique Rijn would master and use to produce some of the most influential graphic art of the 17th century. The medium allowed the young artist an immediacy and freedom of line that suited his rapid studies of character and expression. This etching represents the vibrancy of the Dutch Golden Age, a cultural epoch spanning 1601 to 1650, during which Rijn established himself as a prominent figure in Northern European art.

This self-portrait is less about formal introspection and more about the capture of a dramatic, fleeting moment. Rijn portrays himself with his mouth slightly agape and his eyes widened, an expression likely intended as an experimental tronie—a study of a theatrical facial expression or character type. His use of light is immediately apparent; the source highlights the planes of his face, sharply contrasting with the deep shadows created by the heavy cap he wears. The loose, rapid hatching defines the texture of the fabric and emphasizes the spontaneity of the moment, distinguishing this piece from the more finished works of his contemporaries.

Rijn repeatedly used himself as a model throughout his career, often drawing upon his own visage to explore human emotion, lighting effects, and costume. This specific piece is fundamental to understanding the genesis of Rijn’s self-portraiture tradition. Today, the work resides in the distinguished collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a widely recognized masterwork from the period 1601 to 1650, this etching is a highly sought-after example of Dutch printmaking, and many high-quality reproductions of the original print are now available within the public domain for study and appreciation worldwide.