Self-Portrait Leaning on a Stone Sill

Self-Portrait Leaning on a Stone Sill by Rembrandt van Rijn is a masterful print executed in 1639 using the combined techniques of etching and drypoint. This pivotal work from the Netherlands’ Golden Age captures the artist at the height of his fame and financial success in Amsterdam. The image presents Rijn dressed in formal, historical costume, adopting a posture and attire reminiscent of Renaissance masters like Titian and Raphael, positioning himself as a timeless intellectual and a prominent figure in art history.

Rijn was arguably the greatest printmaker of the 17th century, and this piece exemplifies his profound command over line weight and tonal variation. The drypoint additions create rich, velvety shadows that contrast sharply with the delicate etched lines, lending an atmospheric depth characteristic of his graphic works. Rijn expertly utilizes this sophisticated medium to create texture in the fabric and convey the intense, thoughtful expression of the sitter.

This high-quality depiction of the artist contributed significantly to the growing market for prints in the Netherlands. By 1639, Rijn was known for his evocative self-portraits, which served not only as personal reflections but also as commodities demonstrating his technical skill to collectors across Europe. The intense visual engagement and technical excellence of this piece ensured its enduring popularity, and today, reproductions are often widely available through public domain repositories. This significant print resides in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.