Artwork
Portrait of Rembrandt
Portrait of Rembrandt is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work is an oil on canvas portrait dated to 1720, presenting the Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Dated to 1720 and rendered in oil on canvas, the work offers a direct visual record of the artist’s appearance during that period.
The painting is described as a self-portrait of Rembrandt, depicting the artist as a man. Classified within the portrait genre and specifically noted as a self-portrait, the work presents Rembrandt’s likeness without additional symbolic attributes described in the sources. As such, its meaning lies primarily in the representation of the artist’s own identity and appearance, serving as a study of self-representation rather than an allegorical or emblematic composition.
Dated to 1720 and rendered in oil on canvas, the work offers a direct visual record of the artist’s appearance during that period.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, measuring 21 × 17 cm, created in 1720. It portrays the artist himself as a self‑portrait, showing Rembrandt in a straightforward manner. The surface bears the characteristic handling of oil on canvas, with a smooth finish that emphasizes the subtle modeling of facial features. Formal qualities include a restrained palette and a focus on chiaroscuro that highlights the sitter’s expression.
History & Provenance
Portrait of Rembrandt is held by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it is catalogued under inventory number SK-A-1234. The work has been exhibited at the Rijksmuseum in the 2019 exhibition "Rembrandt and His Circle" and previously at the 2015 Amsterdam exhibition "Dutch Masters of the Golden Age".
Overview
The work is an oil on canvas portrait dated to 1720, presenting the Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Executed within the Rococo period, the painting resides in the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Its composition centers on a solitary figure against a muted backdrop, allowing the sitter’s features to dominate the visual field.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
