Self-Portrait leaning on a stone sill 1639

Rembrandt van Rijn's "Self-Portrait leaning on a stone sill" (1639) is a striking example of the artist's mastery of etching. The work, currently housed at the Städel Museum, portrays Rembrandt in a relaxed, almost casual pose, leaning on a stone ledge. The artist's signature, a simple "Rembrandt 1639," appears at the top of the etching, adding a personal touch to this powerful self-portrait. The etching's use of light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of Rembrandt's face, creates a sense of depth and realism, which are hallmarks of Rembrandt's artistic style.