The artwork titled “Self-portrait with a broad nose” is a masterful creation by the renowned artist Rembrandt, produced between 1629 and 1630. This piece exemplifies the Baroque art movement, specifically categorized as a self-portrait and tronie—a type of work depicting a person with an exaggerated facial expression or a character in a costume. The artwork currently resides at the Rijksmuseum, located in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
This particular self-portrait showcases Rembrandt’s skill in creating a vivid and lifelike representation of himself, utilizing the medium of etching to spectacular effect. The artist’s visage is rendered with a strikingly broad nose, a feature prominently emphasized within the composition. His gaze suggests a contemplative demeanor, while the intricate, free-flowing lines of his curly hair add a dynamic quality to the etching. The attire, consisting of a loosely draped garment, is depicted with meticulous, dense hatching, thereby providing a textural contrast to the softer features of his face. Unlike many of his painted self-portraits, this etching allows for an intimate and direct engagement with the viewer, offering a glimpse into Rembrandt’s character and identity at that time in his life.
