Rembrandt Van Rijn, one of the most talented artists of the 17th century, painted his self-portrait at the easel in 1660. The artwork depicts an older Rembrandt dressed in old clothes with a wearied expression and unkempt beard. He deliberately painted himself as an aging master, poor and living a solitary existence but still serene while creating art.
Rembrandt was renowned for his versatility as he dabbled in several artistic genres including history painting, landscapes, and portraits. His ability to convey emotions through his paintings made him stand out from other artists of his time. The Self-portrait at the easel is an excellent representation of Rembrandt’s artistic prowess as he used chiaroscuro technique to partially conceal his face.
The portrait also features Rembrandt wearing a gorget – protective military armor typically worn around the throat – signifying that he valued personal security. His use of this accessory is not unusual because during the Dutch golden age preserved around Holland during the seventeenth century they were exposed to military threats.
Rembrandt’s Self-portrait at the easel remains a classic example of skilled Dutch portraiture till date due to its outstanding execution that depicts contradictory qualities like vulnerability and strength.
