Self-Portrait in a Plumed Hat 1629

Rembrandt van Rijn made this “Self-Portrait in a Plumed Hat” with oil on canvas. This intimate painting presents the artist in a way that makes us wonder about the changing roles of art and artists in 17th-century Netherlands. During this time, the Dutch art market was booming and this allowed artists to explore personal expression and to challenge existing social norms in new ways. Here, Rembrandt has depicted himself in a plumed hat and rich garb, perhaps referencing the fashions of the upper classes. The theatrical lighting enhances the drama, drawing viewers to ponder not just the artist’s likeness but his status. Studying Dutch history and the economic conditions of Rembrandt’s time helps us to understand the complexities of this self-portrait. Art history, at its best, encourages us to look beyond the surface and to think about the context in which art is made and viewed.