The artwork in question is a self-portrait by the renowned Dutch Baroque artist Rembrandt, created approximately between 1628 and 1629. Executed with pen on paper, this sketch is both a study and a tronie, a type of work depicting an exaggerated facial expression or a character in costume. The piece belongs to the Baroque art movement and is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
As for the artwork itself, it presents a quick yet expressive study of Rembrandt’s own face. The artist’s gaze appears to be effused with a thoughtful or questioning countenance, above which his hair is depicted with loose, energetic strokes that convey a disheveled appearance. Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow is evident even in this rapid sketch, with the use of pen lines and ink washes creating a sense of depth and form. The immediacy of the strokes suggests a spontaneous moment of self-reflection captured by the artist, highlighting his skill in portraying human emotion and character with minimal yet effective means.