An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
Self-portrait, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1628h 22.6cm × w 18.7cm
Rembrandt van Rijn
oil on panel
In the quiet moments of youth, before the world knew his name, a young Rembrandt stood before the canvas, eyes gleaming with ambition. Though he was still finding his footing in the realm of artistry, fear never clouded his spirit. Instead, it was curiosity that danced within him, urging him to take chances, to push boundaries.
As he captured his own likeness in an early self-portrait, light played a delicate game upon his right cheek. It brushed against his skin like a whisper, illuminating the promise of who he might become. Yet, as the gaze of the viewer travels further, they discover that much of his visage remains ensconced in shadow, a testament to the mystery that surrounded not just the man, but the artist’s journey itself.
In a moment of revelation, the beholder is met with the intensity of Rembrandt's stare, directed unwaveringly at them. It’s as if he’s inviting them into his world—one filled with half-daring dreams and unrefined aspirations. With each stroke, he takes risks, using the back of his brush to carve into the wet paint, accentuating the wild, unkempt curls of his hair—a symbol of the untamed creativity that defined him even in those early days.
This portrayal is not merely about capturing likeness; it’s a dance of light and shadow, a visual diary of self-discovery. It resonates—echoing the universal experience of every artist daring to unveil their soul on canvas. Through this piece, Rembrandt speaks across the ages, urging us all to embrace the light and the dark, forging our paths with courage and conviction.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.