Self-Portrait Leaning Forward (bust) (1628) by Rembrandt

Self-Portrait Leaning Forward (bust) - Rembrandt - 1628

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-Portrait Leaning Forward (bust)
ArtistRembrandt
Date1628
Art MovementBaroque

About Self-Portrait Leaning Forward (bust)

The artwork entitled “Self-Portrait Leaning Forward (bust)” is a creation of Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, dated to 1628. It is situated within the Baroque period, an era characterized by dramatic expression and bold manipulations of light and shadow. This self-portrait exemplifies the genre, alongside the subcategory of a ‘tronie,’ which is a type of work focusing on the features or expression of the subject rather than an attempt at an accurate likeness.

In this artwork, Rembrandt’s technique of robust, expressive line work is evident, capturing not only his physical features but also a sense of the artist’s persona. The depiction is intimate and candid, highlighting Rembrandt’s youthful visage marked by curly hair that borders his face with dynamic twists and turns. His eyes have a piercing quality, and his mouth is slightly open as if caught in a moment of introspection or conversation. The etching portrays a sense of immediacy and psychological depth, which are hallmarks of Rembrandt’s self-portraiture. Unlike more formal and polished works, this etching bears a raw quality, allowing viewers to feel a connection with the artist as a living, breathing individual. The distinctive hatching and cross-hatching techniques enhance the texture and depth, creating a lifelike presence on the paper.

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