Self-Portrait
circa 1632
Rembrandt was the 17th-century king of the selfie, painting himself over 40 times to create a raw visual diary of his life. In this striking Baroque portrait, we see the artist not as a young, successful painter, but as an older man with a weary, deeply lined face and a large, dark beret. The dramatic lighting—classic chiaroscuro—highlights his forehead and nose while leaving the rest in shadow, emphasizing his psychological depth. Unlike many artists who idealized themselves, Rembrandt didn't hide his aging or his financial hardships; he stared right at the canvas with unflinching honesty.
- Technique
- Oil painting
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