The “Self-portrait” by Rembrandt, dated 1633, is an oil painting on board, measuring 70 x 54 cm. Exemplifying the Baroque art movement, this self-portrait by the renowned Dutch master is housed in the Louvre in Paris, France.
The artwork features the artist looking directly at the viewer, with his head slightly turned to give a three-quarters view. Rembrandt’s facial expression is serious and contemplative, which is characteristic of many of his self-portraits. He sports curly, shoulder-length hair, and his face shows naturalistic details, providing a sense of the texture of his skin and the individual strands of his hair.
He is dressed in dark clothing, enriched by the luminous details of a gold chain and other intricate elements that reflect light, demonstrating his masterful use of chiaroscuro—contrast between light and dark. The background is subdued, which draws greater attention to his figure. Rembrandt’s signature and the date are visible in the lower right-hand corner, subtly integrated into the painting’s tones.
Overall, the self-portrait conveys a strong sense of the artist’s character and presence, a testament to Rembrandt’s skill in capturing human emotion and his introspective approach to portraiture.