Self-portrait with long bushy hair: head only c. 1631

This is Rembrandt van Rijn's etched self-portrait, a small work of art measuring just over two inches, located at the Rijksmuseum. Rembrandt lived and worked during the Dutch Golden Age, a period of immense cultural and economic growth in the Netherlands, but also a time marked by rigid social hierarchies. Rembrandt made about 80 self-portraits throughout his life. His persistent return to his own likeness has prompted speculation amongst art historians. It is a rare glimpse into the artist's inner world. The etching medium allowed for the creation of multiple images, challenging traditional notions of the singular, valuable artwork and democratizing art ownership. Here, the emotional weight of the piece lies in Rembrandt’s gaze. His eyes, though shadowed, convey a sense of introspection and perhaps even vulnerability. His choice to depict himself with a furrowed brow and unruly hair defies the conventions of formal portraiture, offering a more raw, human representation. He seems to ask us, "What is painting but seeing and feeling?" Through this self-portrait, Rembrandt invites us to consider the complex interplay between identity, representation, and the ever-changing nature of the self.