Self-portrait, Leaning Forward c. 1629
rembrandtvanrijn
amateur sketch
incomplete sketchy
possibly oil pastel
fluid art
carved into stone
acrylic on canvas
carved
natural texture
mixed medium
watercolor
Rembrandt van Rijn's "Self-Portrait, Leaning Forward" (c. 1629) is a striking etching that captures the artist's youthful energy and self-awareness. The composition features a close-up of Rembrandt's head and shoulders, his face illuminated by a strong light source that emphasizes his expressive eyes and the subtle details of his curly hair. This etching is a testament to Rembrandt's mastery of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume within the small format. The piece is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offering a glimpse into the artist's early career and his fascination with self-portraiture.
Comments
Rembrandt must have had a substantial collection of headgear. Here we see him in a cap pulled forward, a kutchma (a Polish fur hat) and a velvet beret with a visor. Incidentally, in Rembrandt’s time such berets were considered old-fashioned and reminiscent mainly of 16th-century head coverings.
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