The artwork titled “Self-portrait open mouthed” was created by the artist Rembrandt van Rijn in 1630. As a prominent figure in the Baroque art movement, Rembrandt was known for his deeply emotional and vivid self-portraits, of which this artwork is an exemplary piece. This particular self-portrait falls under the genre of tronie, a type of work commonly depicting exaggerated facial expressions or characters in costume.
In the artwork, the etching demonstrates Rembrandt’s exquisite attention to detail and his mastery of light and shadow, features that are emblematic of the Baroque period. The artist captures a seemingly spontaneous expression with his mouth agape and eyes slightly squinted, as if caught in a moment of surprise or exclamation. His curly hair is rendered with an assortment of loose and lively strokes, augmenting the dynamic and lively character of the work. The intricate play of lines not only defines the contours of his face and clothing but also emphasizes the textured quality of the artwork. His use of chiaroscuro is evident even in this monochromatic medium, contributing to the three-dimensionality and immediacy of the portrayed figure. Overall, “Self-portrait open mouthed” offers viewers a glimpse into Rembrandt’s self-exploratory practice and his penchant for imbuing portraits with psychological depth.
