Self-portrait (1669) by Rembrandt

Self-portrait - Rembrandt - 1669

Artwork Information

TitleSelf-portrait
ArtistRembrandt
Date1669
Art MovementBaroque,Tenebrism
Current LocationUffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

About Self-portrait

The artwork in question is a self-portrait by the renowned artist Rembrandt, dated to 1669. This work is an exemplar of the Baroque movement and employs Tenebrism, a style characterized by dramatic contrasts of light and shadow. It falls within the genres of self-portrait and tronie, the latter a type of Dutch Golden Age painting that emphasizes certain facial expressions or character types. Presently, this notable piece resides in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

In this self-portrait, Rembrandt depicts himself with a direct yet subdued gaze, engaging the viewer with a sense of intimacy and contemplative solemnity. His face is rendered with a masterful understanding of light, shadow, and texture, revealing the marks of age and experience. The artist’s use of chiaroscuro is evident in the way the light softly illuminates his features, contrasting with the deep, dark backgrounds typical of Tenebrist technique. Rembrandt’s attire is simple, consisting of a dark garment complemented by a light cap, which also serves to draw the viewer’s attention to his face. The brushwork is expressive and loose, giving a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the portrayal. The emotional depth and the skillful execution of this work make it a poignant testimony to Rembrandt’s legacy as a painter and as an observer of the human condition.

Other Artwork from Rembrandt

More Baroque,Tenebrism Artwork

Scroll to Top