Self-Portrait (?) with Plumed Cap and Lowered Sabre

Self-Portrait (?) with Plumed Cap and Lowered Sabre by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed in 1634, is a powerful example of the artist's masterful command of the etching medium during the period of 1601 to 1650. As an accomplished printmaker, Rijn used the technique of etching to achieve intricate details, dramatic lighting, and deep contrasts, qualities often associated with his contemporary painting. This piece dates to the height of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when portraiture and graphic arts flourished in the Netherlands.

The subject, believed to be a representation of Rijn himself in an idealized or theatrical role, is rendered with characteristic dramatic intensity. The figure is clad in an elaborate costume, defined by the large, distinctive plumed cap and the presence of a lowered sabre, which give the depiction an air of martial dignity or historical romance. These costume pieces transform the work from a mere likeness into a tronie—a study of an expressive face or character type—allowing Rijn to explore texture and the interplay of light and shadow without the constraints of formal commissioned portraiture.

The precision and tonality achieved in this etching demonstrate why Rijn’s output of prints was so foundational to his international reputation. The technique allowed him to widely disseminate his artistic vision. This work, crucial for understanding the technical evolution of 17th-century graphic arts and Dutch culture, resides in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As this historical artwork is now considered part of the public domain, it remains available for scholarly examination and appreciation worldwide.