Self-portrait (?) with plumed cap and lowered sabre after 1634

This etching of a possible self-portrait with a plumed cap and lowered saber is on display here at the Rijksmuseum. The artist’s face is framed by a mass of curled hair and a soft hat with a plume. Notice the intricate network of lines that build up the form and texture. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow, particularly in the face and clothing. This creates a visual push and pull, drawing us in to examine the details, especially the face. The lines around the face are dense, conveying a tactile sense of the man’s features, while the background is left relatively bare, pushing the figure forward. Consider how the artist used line and shadow to shape our perception and create a compelling visual structure. Though the artist is unknown, the technical skill speaks volumes. The portrait captures a moment frozen in time, leaving us to ponder the identity and the narrative behind it.