Self-portrait etching at a window after 1648

This anonymous etching, titled "Self-portrait etching at a window," dates back to after 1648. It depicts a man seated at a window, leaning over a table while writing, his face illuminated by a light source outside the window. This intimate composition, with its focus on the artist's expressive face and thoughtful demeanor, is characteristic of self-portraits created during the Dutch Golden Age, when artists like Rembrandt often explored themes of introspection and human emotion. This small, but powerful etching, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the world of an unknown artist, revealing their dedication to their craft and their desire to capture their own inner state.