Self-Portrait in a Slant Fur Cap: Bust 1631

Editor: This small etching, "Self-Portrait in a Slant Fur Cap: Bust" from the Harvard Art Museums, presents an anonymous figure in striking detail. I'm struck by how the artist uses line to convey both texture and emotion. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Consider the rise of self-portraiture during the 17th century alongside a growing art market. Artists like Rembrandt used prints to circulate their image, crafting a persona. How might this humble image function within that context? Editor: So, it's not just about capturing a likeness, but also about constructing a specific identity for the public? I never thought about it that way. Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder about the role of the artist in society and the power of self-representation, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely, this really changes how I view self-portraits now.