Zelfportret met gepluimde fluwelen baret

Zelfportret met gepluimde fluwelen baret by Rembrandt van Rijn, dating to 1638, is a highly characteristic example of the artist’s extensive output in graphic media. Executed on paper, this self-depiction places Rijn squarely within the successful middle phase of his career in Amsterdam, known as the Dutch Golden Age. While the specific technique is not cataloged, its classification as a 'Book' object within the museum context confirms its status as an etching, drawing, or study intended for collection or publication.

Rijn presents himself in theatrical costume, featuring the distinctive plumed velvet beret referenced in the title. This practice of wearing historical or exotic garb elevated the self-portrait above a simple likeness, allowing the artist to explore character and expression, a type of subject often referred to as a tronie. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, expertly rendered through the delicate lines of the etching process, emphasizes the texture of the fabric and the intense gaze of the artist. Rijn’s mastery of graphic techniques allowed him to convey profound psychological depth, even in works produced for wider dissemination as fine art prints.

This important piece is maintained in the renowned Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, forming a crucial component of their extensive holdings of 17th-century Dutch works on paper. Due to the historical age and significance of the work, high-resolution copies of these master prints are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring its accessibility for scholarly study and public appreciation worldwide. The piece remains indispensable for understanding Rijn’s evolving self-image and his role as a preeminent graphic artist.