Self-portrait with long bushy hair: head only

"Self-portrait with long bushy hair: head only" is a significant print created by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1631. Executed on paper, this early work showcases the artist’s developing mastery of graphic arts during the height of the Dutch Golden Age. In the early 1630s, Rijn was quickly establishing his reputation in Amsterdam, and self-portraits played a crucial role in his experimentation with expression and character types, often referred to as tronies.

This piece captures the artist looking intensely forward, his face framed by wildly disheveled hair, which was characteristic of his experimental approach to self-representation during this period. The composition focuses exclusively on the head, emphasizing the dramatic texture of the hair and the concentrated gaze. Rijn’s technical skill is evident in the dynamic use of line work to define the deep shadows and bright highlights, a technique essential for creating drama and depth in intaglio prints.

Printmaking was a vital component of Rijn’s output, allowing him to circulate his image and artistic ideas widely across Europe. Unlike his later, more introspective self-portraits, this 1631 depiction shows the artist exploring vivid, external characterizations that push beyond simple likeness. This specific impression is held within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum, contributing to the museum's comprehensive holdings of seventeenth-century Dutch master prints. Due to the prolific nature of the artist's graphic catalog, many examples of Rijn’s early prints are increasingly accessible through public domain initiatives, ensuring the continued study of his genius in etching and drypoint.