Self-portrait with Long, Bushy Hair

The print Self-portrait with Long, Bushy Hair by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1631, is a significant example of the artist's early mastery of the etching technique on paper. This work belongs to a series of experimental self-portraits Rijn produced during his formative years in Amsterdam. These small-scale studies allowed him to explore dramatic lighting effects and complex facial expressions, crucial elements in the development of his later, larger commissions.

Unlike his more formal painted self-portraits, this piece captures Rijn in a highly informal guise. He depicts himself facing the viewer with an intense, almost unkempt appearance, defined by the voluminous, tousled hair suggested by rapidly etched lines. The careful cross-hatching and subtle variations in line weight generate strong contrasts of shadow and light, demonstrating Rijn’s exceptional skill in producing detailed prints. The expression captured here is less about personal biography and more about an exploration of human character, reflecting the contemporary Dutch trend for tronies—character heads used for technical practice.

As one of the preeminent draftsmen of the Dutch Golden Age, Rijn’s technical brilliance in handling the etching needle is clearly evident in this early paper-based work. This impression of the important historical print is housed within the prestigious collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Today, high-resolution reproductions of this and many of Rijn's powerful prints are widely accessible through public domain art initiatives, confirming the enduring cultural value of his printed oeuvre.